Blues Legacy: Grandson Records in Historic Hotel Room

Ninety years after a 25-year-old Mississippi guitarist checked into the Gunter Hotel, his grandson will record in the same location. Steven Johnson plans to capture new music in Room 414 between November 12 and 14, 2026. The weekend marks the 90th anniversary of the session that produced material later studied by Eric Clapton, the Rolling Stones, and Led Zeppelin. Robert Johnson, who died at 25, used the hotel's facilities in November 1936 to record tracks that became foundational to popular music.

Johnson will also utilize the hotel's Gunter Studio to complete an upcoming album. The Robert Johnson Blues Foundation is set to release the project. The hotel reopened in 2025 following a $70 million renovation. Management has integrated the property's musical past into its current operations by opening the recording studio to emerging artists. A record lending library now sits in the lobby, and a music council guides programming. The council includes Adrian Quesada of Black Pumas, Will and Noel Bridges of Antone's Nightclub, and Garrett T. Capps. Every guest room contains a turntable and a copy of the album King of the Delta Blues Singers.

The anniversary weekend features a Saturday showcase in the Crystal Ballroom from 7 to 10:15 p.m. on November 14. Pedal steel guitarist Robert Randolph will perform alongside Texas blues-rock guitarist Ally Venable and the Steve L. Johnson Band. Randolph recently won his first Grammy for the album Preacher Kids. Marco Cervantes, a professor at the University of Texas at San Antonio who performs as Mexstep, will emcee the event. Tickets for the showcase start at $59.

Programming begins on Thursday, November 12, with producer Michael Ramos leading Gunter Studio tours from 5 to 7 p.m. A Robert Johnson Revue featuring Nicky Diamonds will play in the Studio Lounge from 7 to 9 p.m. The Aaron Stephens Trio will perform in Bar 414 from 9 p.m. to midnight. Friday, November 13, includes a conversation with the Robert Johnson Family moderated by Hector Saldaña in the Gunter Studio Lounge from 6 to 7 p.m. Tomar & The FCs and Jordan Matthew Young will perform in the Crystal Ballroom from 8 to 10 p.m., while Nick Brown & The Blues Cruise will play in Bar 414 from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m.

The weekend concludes with the Eve Monsees Trio performing in Bar 414 from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m. on Saturday. Hotel owner Jiwon Choi said the property is honored to bring talented people together to celebrate its history and Johnson's legacy. Choi stated that the mission is to celebrate those who came before and encourage future generations of artists who may pass through the hotel's doors.