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90 Years of Blues: The Gunter Hotel Commemorates Robert Johnson’s Legendary 1936 Sessions

The Gunter Hotel will celebrate with his grandson and other musicians performing and recording at the historic hotel. Photo: Daniel Kelleghan, used with permission.

Celebrating 90 Years of Blues History: San Antonio’s Gunter Hotel Honors Robert Johnson’s 1936 Recording Sessions

SAN ANTONIO, TX — The Gunter Hotel, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel, is excited to announce three days of music, performances, and programming from November 12–14, 2026, commemorating the 90th anniversary of Robert Johnson’s legendary 1936 recording session at the hotel. (The Gunter Hotel, 2026)

The weekend celebration will feature special programming with Robert Johnson’s grandson and his family, along with live performances from Robert Randolph, Ally Venable, Tomar & The FCs, Nicky Diamonds, and more.

As part of the commemoration, musician Steven Johnson will record his grandfather’s songs inside Room 414, the exact site of the historic 1936 recordings, as well as in the Gunter Studio. This private session creates a powerful full-circle moment, connecting the original recordings with a new generation of the Johnson family sound. The family and the Robert Johnson Blues Foundation will release these recordings at a later date.

A portion of proceeds from ticketed events will benefit the Robert Johnson Blues Foundation, an organization dedicated to preserving Johnson’s music and memory through arts education, competitions, and scholarships.

“We’re honored to bring so many talented people together in one place to celebrate our hotel’s history and Robert Johnson’s legacy. It is our hope and our mission to celebrate those that have come before us, and encourage future generations of artists that may come through our doors.” — Jiwon Choi, Gunter Hotel Owner

Event Schedule: A Celebration 90 Years in the Making

Starting Thursday, November 12, the Gunter Hotel kicks off three days and nights of commemorative programming.

Thursday, November 12

  • 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM | Gunter Studio Tours Noted producer and musician Michael Ramos offers tours of the newly opened, state-of-the-art Gunter Studio. Ramos played an integral role in designing the studio with acoustician Steve Durr.

Note: Space is limited; tours are first-come, first-served.

  • 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM | Nicky Diamonds Performs Robert Johnson Revue (Studio Lounge) Texas blues artist Nicky Diamonds pays homage to Robert Johnson with an intimate, acoustic set featuring songs recorded at the hotel in 1936.
  • 9:00 PM – 12:00 AM | The Aaron Stephens Trio (Bar 414) Aaron Stephens brings a blend of blues, soul, jazz, and American roots music to Bar 414, pairing honest storytelling with a style distinctly his own.
    • Admission: Free (Space is limited; early arrival encouraged).*

Friday, November 13

  • 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM | A Conversation with the Robert Johnson Family (Studio Lounge) A panel discussion featuring members of the Robert Johnson family, including his grandson, Steven Johnson, covering Johnson’s legacy and impact across generations. Moderated by Hector Saldaña, curator of the Texas Music Collection at The Wittliff Collections (Texas State University).
    • Admission: Free (Space is limited; early arrival encouraged).*
  • 8:00 PM – 10:00 PM | Tomar & The FCs with Jordan Matthew Young (The Crystal Ballroom) Austin soul group Tomar & The FCs perform with support from Jordan Matthew Young. Frontman Tomar Williams grew up touring the Chitlin’ Circuit—the network of venues that brought performers through the segregated South to San Antonio’s East Side—mirroring Robert Johnson’s own journey.
  • 10:00 PM – 1:00 AM | Nick Brown & The Blues Cruise (Bar 414) San Antonio blues band Nick Brown & The Blues Cruise keeps the celebration going with a late-night set featuring classic hits from B.B. King, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Freddie King, and more.
    • Admission: Free (Space is limited; early arrival encouraged).*

Saturday, November 14

  • 7:00 PM – 10:15 PM | Marquee Live Music Showcase (The Crystal Ballroom) The weekend reaches its peak with a showcase featuring pedal steel virtuoso Robert Randolph (Grammy Award winner for Best Contemporary Blues Album, Preacher Kids), Texas blues-rock guitarist Ally Venable, and The Steve L. Johnson Band. Emceed by Dr. Marco Cervantes (Mexstep), professor at UTSA.
  • 10:00 PM – 1:00 AM | The Eve Monsees Trio (Bar 414) Austin-based guitarist Eve Monsees, known as one of Texas’s premier traditional blues players, closes out the weekend with a late-night set.
    • Admission: Free (Space is limited; early arrival encouraged).*

An Iconic Musical History

Since reopening in 2025 following a $70M renovation, the Gunter Hotel has honored its rich musical past. Its most historic chapter took place when blues visionary Robert Johnson walked into Room 414 and recorded what became King of the Delta Blues Singers, deeply influencing generations of artists.

Musicians like John Mellencamp have since made the pilgrimage to Room 414, drawn by its creative history, while Johnson’s work continues to inspire icons like Eric Clapton, The Rolling Stones, and Led Zeppelin.

The “Stay Legendary” Special Offer

Concert ticket holders can take advantage of the Stay Legendary package, which includes:

  • 20% off the best available room rate during the week of the event.
  • A commemorative Robert Johnson vinyl record.
  • Late check-out (subject to availability).

Note: Concert tickets must be purchased separately.

👉 Book the Stay Legendary Package HERE

Photo: The Gunter Hotel

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