Grandson Records in 1936 Blues Room

Steven Johnson will occupy the same hotel room where his grandfather, blues legend Robert Johnson, recorded in November 1936. The session marks the 90th anniversary of that historic event. Johnson plans to record in Room 414 of the Gunter Hotel in San Antonio from November 12 to 14.

The 25-year-old Mississippi guitarist Robert Johnson checked into the establishment during the original 1936 session. The material he produced influenced later acts including Eric Clapton, the Rolling Stones, and Led Zeppelin. Steven Johnson will also use the Gunter Studio to cut an upcoming album. The Robert Johnson Blues Foundation is scheduled to release the final product.

The recording schedule culminates in a Saturday showcase in the Crystal Ballroom. Pedal steel guitarist Robert Randolph will perform. He recently won his first Grammy for his work with Preacher Kids. He will share the stage with 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 emcee the event. Tickets for the showcase start at $59.

Programming extends beyond the main ballroom throughout the weekend. On Thursday, November 12, producer Michael Ramos will lead tours of the Gunter Studio from 5 to 7 p.m. A Robert Johnson Revue featuring Nicky Diamonds will perform in the Studio Lounge from 7 to 9 p.m. The Aaron Stephens Trio will play at Bar 414 from 9 p.m. to midnight.

Friday, November 13, includes a conversation with the Robert Johnson family in the Gunter Studio Lounge. Hector Saldaña will moderate the discussion 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. Nick Brown & The Blues Cruise will take the stage at Bar 414 from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m.

The Gunter Hotel reopened in 2025 following a $70 million renovation. The property has integrated its musical history into its current operations. It offers a record lending library in the lobby and provides recording access to emerging artists. A music council guides these efforts. The group 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 King of the Delta Blues Singers.

Hotel owner Jiwon Choi stated in a release that the Gunter is honored to celebrate its history. He noted a mission to encourage future generations of artists. The weekend events will conclude with the Eve Monsees Trio performing at Bar 414 on Saturday night.