There are tons of great things to do when visiting San Antonio. Eating, drinking, strolling along the river walk and exploring its deep history of world famous missions would make any trip to the Alamo City worthwhile.

There is however, something off the beaten track that is also worth checking out, especially if you are a fan of the blues. Put on display in the lobby of the Sheraton Gunther hotel is an old 78 and a photo of legendary blues man Robert Johnson.

Johnson was discovered playing in Mississippi by Ernie Ortle who persuaded him to come to San Antonio and record for the American Recording Company’s Vocalion label. On Nov. 23, 1936, Johnson set up in Room 414 and history was made.

In all, Johnson recorded 16 tracks during three sessions at the Gunther including: “I Believe I’ll Dust My Broom,” “Sweet Home Chicago,” “Terraplane Blues,” and the legendary “Cross Road Blues” (famously covered by Eric Clapton, along with Cream, Lynyrd Skynyard, Robin Trower, John Mayer and many others).

Eric Clapton called him “the most important blues musician who ever lived”. Johnson was one of the first inductees to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and was later honored with a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award.

Much of Johnson’s life is shrouded in mystery. There are only two verified photos of him and his three grave sites in Mississippi only add to the intrigue. Another part of Johnson’s folklore was his alleged deal with the devil in exchange for musical prowess. Johnson, as the story goes, was an ordinary guitarist who became a master after meeting with the devil (perhaps at the crossroads?).

Like other great artists, Johnson died at age 27 becoming an early member of the “27 Club” which now include the likes of Brian Jones, Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, Kurt Cobain and Amy Winehouse. Johnson’s death has been attributed to a stabbing, a gunshot or poisoning. The truth is nobody really knows how he died.

In 2009, John Mellencamp came to the Gunter to record the track “Right Behind Me” for his album No Better Than This, in the same room where Johnson had recorded in 1936.

Fame can be a fickle thing. Much like artists like Van Gogh, their greatness was not appreciated till long after they left us. But, even though Johnson’s music wasn’t heard much during his lifetime and few facts are known about his life, he is still widely regarded as the greatest blues man of all time.