Robert Johnson's grandson returns to record in the exact room where his grandfather cut records in 1936

A grandson of Robert Johnson is preparing to stand in the same hotel room where his grandfather recorded in 1936, 90 years later. The Gunter Hotel in San Antonio will host a three-day event from November 12 to 14 to mark the anniversary of the session that produced material later covered by Eric Clapton, the Rolling Stones, and Led Zeppelin.

Steven Johnson, the bluesman's grandson, will record in room 414, the specific location of the 1936 session. He will also use the hotel's Gunter Studio to cut an upcoming album for the Robert Johnson Blues Foundation. The 25-year-old Mississippi guitarist originally checked into this hotel in November 1936 to capture the tracks that defined his discography.

The recording sessions will lead into a Saturday showcase in the Crystal Ballroom. Pedal steel guitarist Robert Randolph, who recently won his first Grammy for Preacher Kids, will perform alongside Texas blues-rock guitarist Ally Venable and the Steve L. Johnson Band. Marco Cervantes, a professor at the University of Texas at San Antonio who performs as Mexstep, will serve as emcee. Tickets for the event start at $59.

Programming extends throughout the hotel beyond the main ballroom. On Thursday, November 12, producer Michael Ramos will lead 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., followed by the Aaron Stephens Trio at Bar 414 from 9 p.m. to midnight.

Friday, November 13, begins with 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., and Nick Brown & The Blues Cruise will take the stage at Bar 414 from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m.

The Gunter reopened in 2025 after a $70 million renovation and has integrated its musical history into its operations. The hotel now maintains a record lending library in the lobby and has equipped every guest room with a turntable and a copy of King of the Delta Blues Singers. A newly formed music council includes Adrian Quesada, Will and Noel Bridges, and Garrett T. Capps.

Hotel owner Jiwon Choi said the hotel is honored to bring talented people together to celebrate its history and Robert Johnson's legacy. Choi stated that it is the mission to celebrate those who came before and encourage future generations of artists who may come through the doors.