In November 1936, a 25-year-old Mississippi guitarist checked into San Antonio's Gunter Hotel and changed musical history. 90 years later, Robert Johnson's grandson is coming back to record in the same storied room.

Steven Johnson’s appearance is part of a November 12-14 celebration of the seminal session that inspired some of the most influential artists in rock history, including Eric Clapton, the Rolling Stones, and Led Zeppelin. In addition to laying down tracks in room 414, the younger Johnson will make use of the hotel’s state-of-the-art Gunter Studio to cut an upcoming album to be released by the Robert Johnson Blues Foundation.

The sessions will anchor an anniversary lineup that builds to a Saturday showcase in the Crystal Ballroom. Pedal steel great Robert Randolph, who recently won his first Grammy for Preacher Kids, will be joined by Texas blues-rock guitarist Ally Venable and the Steve L. Johnson Band, with UTSA professor Marco Cervantes (aka Mexstep) serving as emcee. Tickets start at $59.

The spirit of Delta blues, however, won’t just be confined to the Crystal Ballroom. The Gunter is activating the entire hotel all weekend with special events, including:

Thursday, November 12

• 5-7 pm: Gunter Studio tours with producer and musician Michael Ramos
• 7-9 pm: Robert Johnson Revue in the Studio Lounge, featuring Nicky Diamonds
• 9 pm-midnight: The Aaron Stephens Trio at Bar 414

Friday, November 13

• 6-7 pm: A conversation with the Robert Johnson Family moderated by Hector Saldaña at the Gunter Studio Lounge
• 8-10 pm: Tomar & The FCs and Jordan Matthew Young live in The Crystal Ballroom
• 10 pm-1 am: Nick Brown & The Blues Cruise at Bar 414

Saturday, November 14

• 7-10:15 pm: Live music showcase in the Crystal Ballroom, featuring Robert Randolph, Ally Venable, and The Steve L. Johnson Band
• 10 pm-1 am: The Eve Monsees Trio at Bar 414

Since reopening in 2025 after a $70 million renovation, the Gunter has built on Johnson’s musical legacy. Besides opening its recording studio to emerging artists, the hotel hosts a record lending library in the lobby and has formed a music council with Black Pumas co-founder Adrian Quesada, Will and Noel Bridges of Antone's Nightclub, and cosmic cowboy Garrett T. Capps.

Each room also includes a turntable and a copy of King of the Delta Blues Singers.

“We’re honored to bring so many talented people together in one place to celebrate our hotel’s history and Robert Johnson’s legacy,” said Gunter Hotel owner Jiwon Choi in a release. “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.”