The Story Behind Robert Johnson's Connection to Jeff Beck's Historic OXBLOOD Les Paul Guitar

The Legacy of the OXBLOOD Les Paul

In the realm of rock guitarists, few names resonate as profoundly as Jeff Beck's. Recently, Beck's OXBLOOD Les Paul guitar sold for a staggering $1,315,708 at auction, marking a significant milestone in guitar history. However, what many may not know is the intricate history behind this iconic instrument, tied deeply to the renowned guitarist and producer Robert Johnson.

A Purchase That Changed History

The tale begins in June 1972, when Robert Johnson, a passionate musician and owner of Regent Sound, acquired a 1953 Les Paul Gold Top from a local music teacher in Memphis. Little did he realize that this purchase would transform into something much larger than himself—it would become Jeff Beck's cherished OXBLOOD Les Paul guitar.

Johnson, dissatisfied with the color of the guitar, sought the expertise of John Evans, a former keyboardist for the Boxtops. Evans modified the pickups while Tom Keckler worked his magic at Strings & Things Music Store, painting the guitar in a color reminiscent of Johnson's own 1960 Oxblood shoes. Ironically, Johnson's initial distaste for the guitar led him to put it on consignment, setting the stage for its next chapter.

A Meeting With Destiny

On a fateful day in November 1972, Johnson found himself in Little Rock to catch a performance by his friend Billy Gibbons of ZZ Top. Knowing that Gibbons was set to open for a concert featuring Beck, Bogart & Appice, Johnson reminisced about a prior studio session with Beck in NYC and mentioned that he had several guitars for sale—including the now-modified OXBLOOD.

Intrigued, Beck arranged to visit Strings & Things the next day. Upon arrival, he was instantly captivated by the OXBLOOD Les Paul, leading to its purchase by his manager. What happened next was nothing short of legendary. Just a few years later, in January 1975, Johnson and Beck were invited to a recording session with The Rolling Stones in Holland, unaware that they would reunite under such auspicious circumstances. Both were invited by differing band members without prior knowledge of each other's attendance, yet fatefully, Beck's primary instrument during this session was the OXBLOOD Les Paul. This collaboration resulted in them working together for two remarkable days, laying down tracks that would etch their names deeper in rock history.

The Unforeseen Value

It’s fascinating to ponder that neither Johnson nor Beck could have envisaged that this instrument would eventually bear a price tag exceeding a million dollars. From 1970 to 1976, Johnson nurtured relationships with a plethora of rock royalty, selling guitars to musicians including Marc Bolan, Ted Turner of Wishbone Ash, Leslie West, and more—all while accumulating knowledge and experience that would solidify his reputation.

What Lies Ahead for Johnson

Fast forward to today: Robert Johnson remains a formidable force in the music industry, actively producing albums and working with legendary artists such as Billy Gibbons and Tanya Tucker. He is currently engaged in two major projects—remixing a live album recorded in 1973 with Lynyrd Skynyrd and producing the long-lost 1971 Albert King Stax record featuring the Muscle Shoals Swampers. Both releases are set to come out under the Regent Sound Records banner in Summer 2025.

As we reflect on the incredible history shared between great musicians and their instruments, Robert Johnson's journey with Jeff Beck's OXBLOOD Les Paul stands as a testament to the unifying power of music and the stories that instruments carry with them. For enthusiasts of music history, this narrative highlights not just the personal journeys of the musicians but also the inestimable value of the legacy intertwined with iconic instruments. Johnson continues to forge new paths while honoring the past, proving that in the world of music, every note played carries the echoes of those that came before.

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