Grandson of blues legend returns to San Antonio hotel to record new album

Steven Johnson, the grandson of blues guitarist Robert Johnson, will return to the Gunter Hotel in San Antonio this month to record a new album. The three-day project, scheduled from November 12 to 14, coincides with the 90th anniversary of the original 1936 recording session that took place in the same building.

Johnson is set to work in Room 414, the specific location where his grandfather recorded material that later influenced major rock acts including the Rolling Stones and Led Zeppelin. He will also utilize the hotel's Gunter Studio to cut tracks for an upcoming release managed by the Robert Johnson Blues Foundation.

The recording sessions are part of a larger weekend celebration featuring performances by several contemporary artists. Pedal steel guitarist Robert Randolph, who recently received a Grammy for his album Preacher Kids, will perform in the Crystal Ballroom. He will be joined by Texas blues-rock musician 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 Saturday night showcase. Tickets for the ballroom event start at $59. Additional programming includes a Friday evening conversation with members of the Robert Johnson family, moderated by Hector Saldaña.

The schedule begins on Thursday, November 12, with producer Michael Ramos leading tours of the Gunter Studio from 5 to 7 p.m. A tribute act known as the Robert Johnson Revue, featuring Nicky Diamonds, will perform in the Studio Lounge from 7 to 9 p.m. The Aaron Stephens Trio will close the day at Bar 414, playing from 9 p.m. to midnight.

Friday, November 13, features performances by Tomar & The FCs and Jordan Matthew Young in the Crystal Ballroom from 8 to 10 p.m. Nick Brown & The Blues Cruise will take over Bar 414 from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m. On Saturday, November 14, the main ballroom showcase runs from 7 to 10:15 p.m., followed by the Eve Monsees Trio at Bar 414 from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m.

The Gunter Hotel reopened in 2025 following a $70 million renovation. Owner Jiwon Choi stated that the hotel is honored to celebrate its history and Johnson's legacy. The property now includes a music council with members such as Adrian Quesada and Will Bridges, and every guest room contains a turntable and a copy of the 1936 album King of the Delta Blues Singers.