Blues History: Steven Johnson Records in Room 414

Steven Johnson, grandson of Robert Johnson, will track a new album in Room 414 of the Gunter Hotel in San Antonio. The three-day event runs from November 12 to 14, marking 90 years since the original guitarist recorded material that influenced major acts in rock and blues history.

Robert Johnson checked into the hotel in November 1936. He was 25 years old and from Mississippi. The recordings from that visit, including tracks from King of the Delta Blues Singers, inspired Eric Clapton, the Rolling Stones, and Led Zeppelin. The Robert Johnson Blues Foundation plans to release the new album that Johnson will cut during the upcoming sessions.

The Gunter Hotel reopened in 2025 following a $70 million renovation. The property has integrated music into its daily operations, opening its recording studio to emerging artists. A music council advises the hotel, including Adrian Quesada, Will and Noel Bridges, and Garrett T. Capps. Every guest room contains a turntable and a copy of King of the Delta Blues Singers.

Programming begins on Thursday, November 12, with producer Michael Ramos leading studio tours from 5 to 7 p.m. The Robert Johnson Revue featuring Nicky Diamonds plays in the Studio Lounge from 7 to 9 p.m. The Aaron Stephens Trio performs at Bar 414 from 9 p.m. to midnight.

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

The Saturday showcase occupies the Crystal Ballroom from 7 to 10:15 p.m. Pedal steel guitarist Robert Randolph, a recent Grammy winner, performs with Texas blues-rock artist Ally Venable and the Steve L. Johnson Band. Marco Cervantes serves as emcee. The Eve Monsees Trio follows at Bar 414 from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m. Tickets for the event start at $59.

Hotel owner Jiwon Choi stated in a release that the Gunter is honored to gather talented individuals to celebrate the property's history. He described the mission as celebrating past artists and encouraging future generations who may pass through the hotel doors.