90 Years After 1936 Session, Grandson Records in Room 414

Steven Johnson, the grandson of blues guitarist Robert Johnson, will record a new album in Room 414 of the Gunter Hotel in San Antonio from November 12 to 14. This three-day event marks the 90th anniversary of Johnson’s 1936 session, which produced recordings that influenced later acts such as Eric Clapton, the Rolling Stones, and Led Zeppelin.

The recording project involves both Room 414 and the hotel’s Gunter Studio. The Robert Johnson Blues Foundation will release the resulting album. The weekend culminates in a Saturday performance in the Crystal Ballroom featuring pedal steel guitarist Robert Randolph, Texas blues-rock artist Ally Venable, and the Steve L. Johnson Band.

Programmer Marco Cervantes, a professor at the University of Texas at San Antonio who performs as Mexstep, will serve as emcee for the Saturday showcase. Tickets for the ballroom event begin at $59. The weekend schedule includes additional performances in the Studio Lounge and Bar 414.

On Thursday, November 12, producer Michael Ramos will lead studio tours from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Nicky Diamonds will perform in the Robert Johnson Revue from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., while the Aaron Stephens Trio plays in Bar 414 from 9 p.m. to midnight.

Friday, November 13, features a moderated conversation with the Robert Johnson Family in the Gunter Studio Lounge from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., hosted by Hector Saldaña. Tomar & The FCs and Jordan Matthew Young will perform in the Crystal Ballroom from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. Nick Brown & The Blues Cruise will follow 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 established a music council including Adrian Quesada of Black Pumas, and Will and Noel Bridges of Antone's Nightclub. Every guest room contains a turntable and a copy of King of the Delta Blues Singers. Hotel owner Jiwon Choi stated that the hotel is honored to celebrate its history and Johnson's legacy, aiming to encourage future generations of artists.