John Lee Hooker was an influential American blues singer, songwriter, and guitarist, born on August 22, 1917, in Clarksdale, Mississippi, and passed away on June 21, 2001. He was one of the most distinctive and influential electric blues artists of the 20th century, known for his deep, gravelly voice, hypnotic guitar playing, and signature “boogie” style.
Hooker’s music was characterized by its raw intensity, repetitive rhythm patterns, and improvisational style. He often performed solo, accompanying himself on guitar with minimal instrumentation, creating a sound that was both primal and powerful.
Throughout his career, Hooker recorded numerous songs that became blues standards, including “Boogie Chillen’,” “Boom Boom,” “One Bourbon, One Scotch, One Beer,” and “I’m in the Mood.” His music had a profound influence on the development of rock and roll, and he collaborated with many rock musicians over the years.
Hooker’s distinctive style and powerful presence made him a revered figure in the blues world, and he received numerous awards and accolades throughout his career, including multiple Grammy Awards and inductions into the Blues Hall of Fame and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
John Lee Hooker’s contributions to the blues genre continue to be celebrated and remembered, and his music remains influential to this day. He left behind a rich legacy of recordings that continue to inspire and captivate audiences around the world.
1. Blues Before Sunrise
“Blues Before Sunrise” is a blues song written and performed by John Lee Hooker. It was recorded in 1951 and released as a single on the Modern Records label. The song features Hooker’s characteristic raw and gritty vocal delivery, accompanied by his electric guitar playing.
“Blues Before Sunrise” is a slow blues number that captures the melancholic mood of the early morning hours before dawn. Lyrically, the song deals with themes of heartache, loneliness, and the pain of lost love. Hooker’s emotive singing and soulful guitar playing convey a deep sense of longing and sorrow.
The song became one of John Lee Hooker’s signature tunes and remains a classic of the blues genre. Its haunting melody, evocative lyrics, and soulful performance have made it a favorite among blues enthusiasts and musicians alike. “Blues Before Sunrise” has been covered by various artists over the years and continues to be celebrated as a timeless blues standard.
2. Sally Mae
“Sally Mae” is a blues song by the legendary blues musician John Lee Hooker. It was recorded in 1951 and released as a single by Modern Records. The song features Hooker’s characteristic boogie-woogie rhythm and his raw, powerful vocals.
“Sally Mae” is a classic example of Hooker’s blues style, with its driving beat and hypnotic groove. The lyrics tell the story of the narrator’s romantic pursuit of a woman named Sally Mae, with Hooker’s expressive vocals conveying a sense of urgency and desire.
The song’s infectious rhythm and catchy melody have made it a favorite among fans of blues music. It has been covered by various artists over the years and remains a staple of Hooker’s repertoire.
“Sally Mae” is a testament to John Lee Hooker’s talent as a blues musician and his ability to capture the essence of the genre with his soulful vocals and distinctive guitar playing.
3. I Cover the Waterfront
“I Cover the Waterfront” is a classic jazz song that has been recorded by numerous artists since its composition in 1933. The song was written by Johnny Green and Edward Heyman.
The lyrics of “I Cover the Waterfront” depict a nostalgic and melancholic mood, with the narrator describing their experiences and observations while working as a waterfront reporter. The waterfront serves as a metaphor for longing and unfulfilled desires, as the narrator reflects on lost love and the passage of time.
The song has become a jazz standard and has been recorded by notable artists such as Billie Holiday, Frank Sinatra, and Louis Armstrong, among many others. Each rendition brings its own interpretation to the song, but all capture the wistful and evocative essence of the original composition.
“I Cover the Waterfront” continues to be celebrated for its poignant lyrics, memorable melody, and enduring appeal. It remains a beloved part of the jazz repertoire and a testament to the timeless beauty of classic American songwriting.
4. It Serves Me Right to Suffer
“It Serves Me Right to Suffer” is a blues song written and performed by John Lee Hooker. It was recorded in 1965 and released as the title track of his album of the same name.
The song features Hooker’s trademark deep, hypnotic groove, characterized by his rhythmic guitar playing and gritty vocals. “It Serves Me Right to Suffer” is a slow blues lament that explores themes of heartache, regret, and the consequences of past actions. Hooker’s expressive singing and soulful guitar work convey a sense of pain and resignation.
The song is notable for its sparse arrangement, with Hooker’s vocals and guitar front and center, creating an intimate and atmospheric sound. The repetitive structure and hypnotic rhythm add to the song’s haunting quality, drawing listeners into its emotional depth.
“It Serves Me Right to Suffer” has been praised for its powerful performance and emotional resonance. It has become one of John Lee Hooker’s most enduring and influential songs, cementing his reputation as a blues icon. The song has been covered by numerous artists over the years and remains a classic of the blues genre.
5. Dimples
“Dimples” is a classic blues song written by blues musician John Lee Hooker. It was first recorded and released by Hooker in 1956 as a single for the Vee-Jay label. The song features Hooker’s signature boogie-woogie guitar style and his deep, gravelly vocals.
“Dimples” is a playful and flirtatious song, with the lyrics describing the narrator’s admiration for a woman with dimples. The song’s catchy rhythm and infectious groove make it a favorite among fans of blues music, and it has been covered by numerous artists over the years.
In addition to John Lee Hooker’s original recording, “Dimples” has been covered by artists such as The Allman Brothers Band, Eric Clapton, and George Thorogood, among others. Each rendition brings its own interpretation to the song while retaining its essential bluesy charm.
“Dimples” remains a classic of the blues genre and a testament to John Lee Hooker’s influence as one of the greatest blues musicians of all time. Its timeless appeal and irresistible groove continue to captivate listeners around the world.
6. I’m In the Mood
“I’m in the Mood” is a blues song written and performed by John Lee Hooker. It was recorded in 1951 and released as a single on the Modern Records label.
The song features Hooker’s distinctive guitar playing style and raw, emotive vocals. “I’m in the Mood” is an uptempo blues number with a driving rhythm and infectious groove. Lyrically, the song deals with themes of desire, attraction, and romantic longing. Hooker’s expressive singing and soulful delivery convey a sense of urgency and passion.
“I’m in the Mood” became one of John Lee Hooker’s most popular and enduring songs. Its catchy melody, memorable lyrics, and energetic performance have made it a favorite among blues fans and musicians alike. The song has been covered by numerous artists over the years and remains a classic of the blues genre.
7. Crawling Kingsnake
“Crawling King Snake” is a blues song that has been performed by various artists, but it is often associated with John Lee Hooker, who recorded his version in 1949. It is a traditional blues tune with roots that can be traced back to earlier folk and blues songs.
The song features a slow and hypnotic groove, with a repeating guitar riff that simulates the movement of a snake. Lyrically, “Crawling King Snake” typically depicts a man’s fascination with a woman who moves seductively, likening her to a crawling king snake. The lyrics often contain themes of desire, temptation, and the allure of the unknown.
John Lee Hooker’s rendition of “Crawling King Snake” is one of the most well-known versions of the song. His deep, gravelly voice and sparse guitar accompaniment give the song a raw and primal quality that captures the essence of the blues.
Over the years, “Crawling King Snake” has been covered by numerous artists from various genres, including Muddy Waters, The Doors, and Etta James. Each interpretation brings its own unique style to the song while honoring its blues roots.
8. Boogie Chillen’
“Boogie Chillen'” is a seminal blues song written and performed by John Lee Hooker. It was Hooker’s debut single, released in 1948, and it became a massive hit, propelling him to fame and establishing his career as one of the most influential figures in blues music.
The song is characterized by its driving rhythm, hypnotic guitar riff, and Hooker’s distinctive vocal delivery. Lyrically, “Boogie Chillen'” is a simple yet infectious celebration of music, dancing, and good times. The lyrics tell the story of the narrator’s desire to “boogie” and have a good time, with Hooker’s raw, gritty vocals adding to the song’s sense of urgency and excitement.
“Boogie Chillen'” is considered one of the quintessential blues songs of all time and has been covered by numerous artists across various genres. Its impact on the development of blues and rock music is immense, and it remains a beloved classic among fans of both genres.
The song’s enduring popularity and influence cement John Lee Hooker’s legacy as one of the greatest blues musicians of all time, and “Boogie Chillen'” stands as a timeless testament to his talent and creativity.
9. One Bourbon, One Scotch, One Beer
“One Bourbon, One Scotch, One Beer” is a blues song written by Rudy Toombs. The song has been performed by various artists, but it is perhaps most famously associated with John Lee Hooker, who recorded his version in 1966.
The song tells the story of a man who is down on his luck and decides to drown his sorrows with alcohol. He orders one bourbon, one scotch, and one beer, hoping that the alcohol will help him forget about his problems. Throughout the song, he laments his misfortunes and reflects on his troubles, all while drinking at the bar.
John Lee Hooker’s rendition of “One Bourbon, One Scotch, One Beer” is characterized by his deep, gravelly voice and sparse guitar accompaniment. His soulful performance brings out the emotion and desperation in the lyrics, making the song a classic of the blues genre.
The song has been covered by numerous artists over the years, including George Thorogood and the Destroyers, who released a popular version of the song in 1977. Each interpretation brings its own unique style to the song while maintaining its bluesy roots and storytelling charm.
10. Boom Boom
“Boom Boom” is a blues song written and recorded by John Lee Hooker in 1961. It was released as a single and became one of Hooker’s most famous and enduring songs. “Boom Boom” is characterized by its catchy guitar riff, driving rhythm, and Hooker’s distinctive vocal delivery.
Lyrically, “Boom Boom” is a classic blues tale of love and lust, with Hooker singing about his desire for a woman who drives him wild with her charms. The repeated refrain of “Boom boom boom boom” adds to the song’s infectious energy and gives it a memorable hook.
“Boom Boom” has been covered by numerous artists over the years, including The Animals, The Yardbirds, and John Lee Hooker himself in collaboration with other musicians. The song’s timeless appeal and universal themes have made it a favorite among blues fans and a staple of Hooker’s live performances.
With its irresistible groove and gritty lyrics, “Boom Boom” remains one of John Lee Hooker’s most iconic songs and a classic of the blues genre. Its influence can be heard in countless blues and rock songs that followed, making it a true cornerstone of American music.