The father of Robert Johnson, John Johnson was employed as a lutenist at the court of Queen Elizabeth I in 1579 and is last mentioned in court records in 1594. His widow, the following year, was granted a lease on various lands, a recognition of her late husband’s distinction.
Lute Music
John Johnson was one of the first great English lutenists. He wrote dance movements in the tradition of the time, works that have an element of contrapuntal interest, and he made a significant contribution to the lute duet.