[2] All of the songs have religious themes and are notable for Johnson’s distinctive combination of a raw and powerful vocal style with a fluid and melodic slide guitar technique.

Their influence can be heard in the music of Taj Mahal, Led Zeppelin and Ry Cooder.

He died of malarial fever in Beaumont, Texas, in 1945, aged 48, after being forced to sleep outdoors when his home burned down.

Taj Mahal recorded a cover version of "You're Gonna Need Somebody on Your Bond" on his 1969 album Giant Step.

"Dark Was the Night, Cold Was the Ground", an instrumental that showcases Johnson's slide guitar playing, is reported to have been the inspiration for Ry Cooder's soundtrack for the 1984 Wim Wenders film Paris, Texas.