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Robert (ii) Johnson
1583 - November 26, 1633
born in London, England, composed during the Renaissance period
Biography
Robert Johnson was the son of composer/lutenist John Johnson. While his father was known primarily for his lute music, Robert was more versatile in his output, turning out both lute and sacred vocal works, as well as songs, especially songs written for plays. In this latter genre he was a key figure in establishing the more declamatory style that began to emerge in England in the second decade of the seventeenth century.

The exact details of Robert Johnson's birth are uncertain, but he likely was born in London around 1583. His early musical education undoubtedly came from his father, who died in 1594, when Robert was about 11. In 1596 the young boy was taken into the service of George Carey, who had recently been appointed Lord Chamberlain. Carey provided for Robert's music education and supplied him with room and board, in effect serving as a surrogate father.

Johnson's earliest surviving lute music dates to around 1600, about the middle of the period he was indentured to Carey. He left Carey's service in 1603 and the following year secured the appointment of lutenist to King James I. His father had served in the same capacity under Queen Elizabeth. Johnson would hold this prestigious post, along with others simultaneously, until his death in 1633.