New Era: The Time Has Come – Netflix Set to Release Documentary on Robert Johnson and Jimi Hendrix: A Deep Dive into the Lives of Two Rock Blues Legends
Netflix is set to release a groundbreaking documentary that explores the lives and legacies of two of the most influential musicians in the history of rock and blues: Robert Johnson and Jimi Hendrix. “New Era: The Time Has Come” will take viewers on an immersive journey through the tumultuous and inspiring stories of these two legends, whose music continues to shape the sound of modern rock, blues, and beyond. The documentary aims to bridge the gap between the blues pioneer from the Mississippi Delta and the electrifying guitar virtuoso of the 1960s, showing how their distinct yet intertwined paths revolutionized music forever.
Robert Johnson: The Delta Blues Prophet
Robert Johnson, often referred to as the “King of the Delta Blues,” was a pioneering musician whose influence continues to resonate in the world of blues and rock music. Born in 1911 in rural Mississippi, Johnson’s life remains steeped in mystery, much like the haunting sound of his guitar. His songs, like “Cross Road Blues,” “Hellhound on My Trail,” and “Sweet Home Chicago,” are filled with raw emotion, complex themes, and brilliant guitar work. Despite only recording 29 songs during his brief lifetime, Johnson’s legacy has become monumental. His music influenced countless rock and blues artists, from Eric Clapton to Keith Richards, and even inspired the legendary “Devil at the Crossroads” myth—an enduring narrative about Johnson allegedly selling his soul to the devil in exchange for his extraordinary guitar-playing skills.
The documentary will delve into the mystique of Johnson’s life, exploring the profound impact of his upbringing in the racially segregated South and his travels to learn from various blues musicians. The documentary will also examine the few surviving accounts of his personal life, offering a glimpse into his character and his struggles, which include intense poverty, isolation, and his untimely death at the age of 27 under suspicious circumstances.
Through archival footage, expert commentary, and interviews with family members and blues historians, “New Era: The Time Has Come” will give viewers an unprecedented look at how Johnson’s work laid the foundation for modern music, influencing rock legends like The Rolling Stones and Led Zeppelin. His distinctive style of fingerpicking and open-tuning revolutionized guitar playing, leaving an indelible mark on rock history.
Jimi Hendrix: The Guitar God Who Redefined Rock
In contrast to Johnson’s haunting, minimalist blues, Jimi Hendrix ushered in an era of experimental, boundary-pushing rock in the 1960s. A Seattle native, Hendrix’s meteoric rise from playing in backing bands to becoming a global rock icon is nothing short of legendary. His groundbreaking performances, from the 1967 Monterey Pop Festival to his unforgettable rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner” at Woodstock, changed the way the world listened to music.
Hendrix was an alchemist with his Fender Stratocaster, using effects pedals and amplifiers to create an entirely new sound that would inspire generations of musicians. His innovative approach to electric guitar playing, his intense stage presence, and his genre-blurring music combined blues, rock, jazz, and funk, making him one of the most influential guitarists in history.
The documentary will explore Hendrix’s early life, from his humble beginnings to his groundbreaking moments at the forefront of the psychedelic rock movement. Through previously unseen footage, audio recordings, and interviews with those who knew him best, the film will paint a vivid portrait of Hendrix’s genius and the challenges he faced as a Black artist in the predominantly white rock scene. His short yet explosive career was marked by internal struggles, substance abuse, and the pressure of living up to his own immense talent, yet his legacy has only grown with time.
The documentary will also highlight how Hendrix, like Robert Johnson, became a cultural icon whose influence transcended musical boundaries. His complex relationship with race, fame, and his artistic vision will be central themes, showing how Hendrix’s work resonates with artists and fans today.
The Legacy of Two Icons
“New Era: The Time Has Come” will explore the powerful intersection of blues and rock through the stories of Johnson and Hendrix. Despite being separated by decades, both musicians’ contributions shaped the development of modern music in ways that are still felt today. The documentary will explore the link between the raw emotion of Johnson’s Mississippi Delta blues and Hendrix’s electrifying, psychedelic guitar work, revealing the continuum that connects the two.
Through expert analysis and captivating storytelling, the documentary will present a narrative of resilience, creativity, and cultural evolution. Both Johnson and Hendrix faced adversity, whether it was the segregation and racial prejudice of their times or the personal demons that haunted their careers. Yet their music remains timeless, speaking to the soul of every listener and inspiring generations of musicians to push the boundaries of what is possible in music.
“New Era: The Time Has Come” is a must-watch for music lovers, historians, and anyone eager to understand the powerful forces that shaped two of the greatest musicians to ever live. By intertwining the lives of Robert Johnson and Jimi Hendrix, Netflix’s documentary offers an intimate, eye-opening look at how the blues evolved into the rock genre and how these two legends paved the way for the next wave of musical revolutionaries.
