Stop Breakin' Down

1937! That's a pretty long time ago, and that's when Robert Johnson, musical embarrassment-turned-guitar virtuoso, recorded this tune.  Over 60 years later the White Stripes gave it new life on their earthquake of a debut album (self-titled).

 

The Stripes also did a live version for BBC that is more true to the original bluesy version and worth checking out. 

Robert Johnson was a major force for rock and roll and has a sketchy legacy, not unlike many other blues musicians at the time, and also due to having a greater reputation after he died.  Was he more important than Hendrix?  Maybe, but without a self-sustaining memory/estate, people don't know.  Well, at least the White Stripes know and are willing to share.