Willie Johnson (January 25, 1897 – September 18, 1945 Pendleton, TX), commonly known as Blind Willie Johnson, was an American gospel blues singer and guitarist. His landmark recordings completed between 1927 and 1930, thirty songs in all, display a combination of powerful chest voice singing, slide guitar skills and originality that has influenced generations of musicians. His records sold well though as a street performer and preacher, he had little wealth in his lifetime. His life was poorly documented, but over time, music historians such as Samuel Charters have uncovered more about him and his five recording sessions.

A revival of interest in Johnson’s music began in the 1960s following his inclusion on Harry Smith‘s Anthology of American Folk Music and by the efforts of the blues guitarist Reverend Gary Davis. Along with Davis, he has since been considered the dominant player of holy blues music which convey religious themes in a blues style, often with a blues style of guitar accompaniment.

Johnson’s work has become more accessible through compilation albums such as American Epic: The Best of Blind Willie Johnson and the Charters compilations. As a result, Johnson is credited as one of the most influential practitioners of the blues and his slide guitar playing, particularly on his hymn Dark Was the Night, Cold Was the Ground, is highly acclaimed. Other recordings by Johnson include Jesus Make Up My Dying Bed, It’s Nobody’s Fault but Mine and John the Revelator.