He is essentially the tip of the root to the family tree of notable guitarists... He inspired most every early guitarist... they inturn inspired the next generation and so on... It's safe to say he grandfathered blues and rock and roll...

If you're into Robert Johnson... and you like Eric Clapton check out Claptons album full of Johnson covers... I think it's called "Me and Mr. Johnson"

He was indeed a greatly talented artist... but then again... anyone can be talented after they sell their soul to do the devil right? haha... Another interesting tidbit... it's rumoured that he died of Syphilis... although his death certificate simply reads "No Doctor" as cause of death.