Bill Bowker (photo by John Burgess)

Sunday, May 8, marks the 100th anniversary of the birth of legendary Mississippi bluesman Robert Johnson.

Born in 1911, the songwriter, singer and guitarist died at age 27 in 1938, leaving behind just 29 recorded songs.

Some of those songs became major hits for ‘60s and ‘70s rock stars — most notably “Crossroads” by Eric Clapton and “Love in Vain” by the Rolling Stones.

Personally, I’m partial to the Taj Mahal version of Johnson’s “Sweet Home Chicago,” with the Pointer Sisters.

Sonoma County’s longtime radio deejay and blues guru, Bill Bowker, will dedicate his weekly “Blues With Bowker” show to Johnson, on KRSH (“KRUSH”), 95.9 FM, from 7 to 9 p.m. Sunday.

“I’ll have all 29 Robert Johnson tunes, either done by Robert or by other artists,” Bowker said.

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