Robert Johnson's Grandson to Cut New Album in San Antonio's Room 414

Steven Johnson will record a new album in Room 414 of the Gunter Hotel in San Antonio this weekend. The session marks the 90th anniversary of the 1936 recording by his grandfather, Robert Johnson. Johnson, who is 25 in historical records, checked into the hotel in November 1936 to capture tracks that influenced later rock and blues artists.

The grandson will use both Room 414 and the hotel's Gunter Studio to cut the album. The Robert Johnson Blues Foundation will release the project. The 1936 material is credited with inspiring musicians including Eric Clapton, the Rolling Stones, and Led Zeppelin.

A three-day celebration runs from November 12 to 14. Events take place throughout the hotel, which reopened in 2025 after a $70 million renovation. The property has integrated its musical past into its current operations by opening its studio to emerging artists. It also maintains a record lending library in the lobby and equips every guest room with a turntable and a copy of King of the Delta Blues Singers.

The festival features a Saturday showcase in the Crystal Ballroom. Pedal steel guitarist Robert Randolph will perform. He recently won his first Grammy for his album Preacher Kids. He will join Texas blues-rock guitarist Ally Venable and the Steve L. Johnson Band. Marco Cervantes, a professor at the University of Texas at San Antonio who performs as Mexstep, will host the event. Tickets for the showcase start at $59.

Additional programming includes a conversation with the Robert Johnson Family on Friday at 6 p.m. in the Gunter Studio Lounge. Hector Saldaña will moderate that discussion. On Thursday, producer Michael Ramos will lead studio tours from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. A Robert Johnson Revue featuring Nicky Diamonds will play in the Studio Lounge from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. The Aaron Stephens Trio will perform in Bar 414 from 9 p.m. to midnight.

Friday evening includes performances by Tomar & The FCs and Jordan Matthew Young in the Crystal Ballroom from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. Nick Brown & The Blues Cruise will follow at Bar 414 from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m. Saturday night concludes with the Eve Monsees Trio playing at Bar 414 from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m.

Hotel owner Jiwon Choi stated that the Gunter is honored to bring talented people together to celebrate the hotel's history. He said the mission is to celebrate previous generations and encourage future artists who may come through the doors.