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John Lee Hooker

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John Lee Hooker is often called The King Of The Boogie. His driving musical style has become a cornerstone of Blues music. He was born on August 17, 1917, in Clarksdale, Mississippi. Like many other Bluesmen, Hooker got his musical start singing gospel. Hooker was taught guitar by his stepfather, William Moore.

Running away from home at 15, Hooker travelled to Memphis. He was caught and sent back home. A few years later, Hooker moved north to Cincinnati where he earned his living singing with gospel groups. Hooker moved to Detroit in 1943, where he returned to his blues career. His first recording was made in 1948. At 31, Hooker began a string of hits.

Hooker recorded under numerous pseudonyms for rival labels. He also worked as a local DJ, where he could promote his own products still further. Hooker was always able to go with the flow and give audiences what they wanted. During the '60s white kids wanted authentic blues styles. Hooker provided them with The Folk Blues Of John Lee Hooker (1959) and The Real Folk Blues (1966). Hooker backed up the records with UK tours and sessions, backed by the likes of The Spencer Davis Group and The Groundhogs. Numerous white rock groups such as The MC5, The Doors and The Animals also paid tribute to their hero by covering his songs.

During the '70s and '80s, Hooker's career was reduced to occasional festival appearance and appropriate casting in the cult film The Blues Brothers (1980). In the last few years Hooker has been helped by devotees like Keith Richards, Johnny Winter, Ry Cooder and Van Morrison. Recently, Hooker became the oldest artist to have reached the Top 3 of the UK album charts.

Discography

1998 The Best Of Friends Pointblank / Virgin

1997 Don't Look Back Pointblank / Virgin (Double Grammy Award Winner)

1996 (re-issue) Hooker & The Hogs (recorded in 1965) Trojan Record Ltd.

1996 (re-issue) Jealous (recorded in 1986) Pointblank / Virgin (Grammy Award Winner)

1995 Alternative Boogie: Early Studio Recordings 1948-1952 Capitol

1995 Chill Out Pointblank / Virgin (Grammy Award Winner)

1995 Legendary Modern Recordings (recorded in 1948-1954) Virgin / Flair

1994 The Healer (gold disc - recorded in 1989) Mobile Fidelity (Grammy Award Winner)

1993 Everybody's Blues (recorded in 1950-1954) Specialty

1993 Urban Blues (recorded in 1967-69) MCA

1992 Boom Boom Pointblank / Virgin (Grammy Award Nominee)

1992 The Country Blues of John Lee Hooker (1959) Riverside

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