Blind Willie Johnson was born in Marlin, Texas in January 22, 1897.  He worked as a gospel singer and was a singer and a guitarist, and his style crossed between blues and spirituals.  His lyrics were religious, but his music came from both blues and sacred traditions.  Between 1927 and 1930 he recording thirty sides including duets with his wife.  He is considered one of the great bottleneck guitarists of his time with his rythmically fluid and tonally vibrant sound.  His best know tune is probably "Dark Was the Night (Cold Was the Ground)".  He died in 1947 in Beaumont, Texas.