John Lee Hooker was an iconic American blues singer, guitarist, and songwriter, whose career spanned over half a century and influenced countless musicians in the blues and rock genres. Born near Clarksdale, Mississippi on August 22, 1917, Hooker developed his distinctive style from the Delta blues tradition, characterized by a unique, driving rhythm and his deep, growling vocal delivery.

Hooker's music career began in the 1940s when he moved to Detroit and by 1948, he had his first hit “Boogie Chillen,” which showcased his rhythmic boogie-woogie piano style adapted for guitar. This was followed by a series of successful recordings, including major hits like “Crawling King Snake” and “Boom Boom,” solidifying his reputation as one of the kings of the Delta blues. Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, he recorded prolifically and by the 1980s he had entered a renaissance period, seeing a resurgence in popularity that continued into the 1990s.

John Lee Hooker's influence on modern music is immeasurable; he helped bridge the gap between acoustic Delta blues and electric Chicago blues. His work has been acknowledged with numerous awards, including multiple Grammy wins and a posthumous induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1991. Hooker passed away on June 21, 2001, but his legacy lives on through a vast discography and the generations of musicians he inspired. His posthumous releases, such as "Live at Montreux 1983 & 1990," offer fans a glimpse of his indelible live performance presence and the raw power and emotion he brought to the blues.

Genres

Blues

Blues Rock

Delta Blues

Electric Blues

Memphis Blues

Traditional Blues

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Muddy Waters

Howlin' Wolf

Elmore James

Buddy Guy

Albert King

B.B. King

T-Bone Walker

Lightnin' Hopkins

Sonny Boy Williamson II

Robert Cray

Keb' Mo'

Taj Mahal

Latest Release

Blue Notes – A Blues Survey from 1920-1960, vol. 3

Elvis Presley•

John Lee Hooker•

Muddy Waters

Ep - 4 Tracks - Released May 10, 2024