Grandson to record new album in 1936 blues room

Robert Johnson checked into the Gunter Hotel in San Antonio in November 1936 to record material that would reshape popular music. Ninety years later, his grandson Steven Johnson will return to the same building to record a new album in the exact room where those original sessions took place.

The hotel announced a three-day celebration scheduled for November 12 through 14. The event centers on the 90th anniversary of the 1936 recording, which Johnson, then 25, produced while staying in the property. That body of work later influenced major artists including Eric Clapton, the Rolling Stones, and Led Zeppelin.

Steven Johnson plans to use room 414 for the primary recording. He will also utilize the on-site Gunter Studio to complete the album, which the Robert Johnson Blues Foundation is set to release. This return serves as the anchor for a weekend of musical performances and historical discussions.

The program extends beyond the hotel rooms. On Thursday, November 12, producer Michael Ramos will lead tours of the studio 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 in Bar 414 from 9 p.m. to midnight.

On Friday, November 13, a conversation with the Robert Johnson Family will be moderated by Hector Saldaña in the Gunter Studio Lounge from 6 to 7 p.m. Musical performances follow in the Crystal Ballroom with Tomar & The FCs and Jordan Matthew Young from 8 to 10 p.m. Nick Brown & The Blues Cruise will perform in Bar 414 from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m.

Saturday, November 14, features a showcase in the Crystal Ballroom from 7 to 10:15 p.m. Pedal steel guitarist Robert Randolph, who recently won his first Grammy for Preacher Kids, will perform alongside Ally Venable and the Steve L. Johnson Band. Marco Cervantes will emcee the event. Tickets for the weekend start at $59. The Eve Monsees Trio will close the night in 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 music into its operations, offering a record lending library in the lobby and equipping 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 stated in a release that the venue is honored to bring talented people together to celebrate the hotel's history and Johnson's legacy.