John Lee Hooker (1917-2001) was a highly influential American blues singer, songwriter, and guitarist. Born in Mississippi, Hooker’s distinctive style combined Delta blues, boogie-woogie, and electric blues elements. His deep, gritty voice and rhythmic guitar playing made him a pivotal figure in the development of blues and rock music.
Hooker’s career spanned several decades, beginning with his early recordings in the 1940s. He gained prominence in the 1950s with hits like “Boogie Chillen” and “Crawlin’ King Snake,” which showcased his raw vocals and hypnotic guitar rhythms. Throughout the 1960s and beyond, Hooker continued to release influential albums and collaborate with various musicians, including collaborations with rock artists like Canned Heat and Santana.
John Lee Hooker’s music has left a lasting legacy, influencing generations of blues and rock musicians. His ability to create infectious rhythms and convey deep emotions through his music earned him recognition as one of the greatest blues artists of all time.
1. Chill Out (Things Gonna Change)
“Chill Out (Things Gonna Change)” is a song by John Lee Hooker, featured on his album *Chill Out* released in 1995. The song exemplifies Hooker’s unique blend of blues and boogie-woogie with a contemporary feel. It features a relaxed groove, Hooker’s deep, gravelly voice, and his trademark guitar playing style.
Lyrically, “Chill Out (Things Gonna Change)” addresses themes of resilience and hope in the face of adversity. It encourages listeners to stay calm and patient, knowing that things will eventually improve. The song’s laid-back vibe and Hooker’s authoritative delivery make it a standout track on the album, showcasing his enduring talent and ability to connect with audiences through his music.
2. Dimples
“Dimples” is a classic blues song written by John Lee Hooker, originally released in 1956. It’s characterized by its infectious guitar riff and Hooker’s distinctive vocal style, which blends storytelling with rhythmic chanting. The song’s lyrics humorously describe a woman’s physical attributes, particularly her dimples, and Hooker’s fascination with her charms.
“Dimples” has been covered by numerous artists over the years, reflecting its enduring popularity and influence in blues and rock music. The song’s upbeat tempo and Hooker’s energetic performance style make it a favorite among fans of his work, highlighting his ability to create catchy, memorable tunes that capture the spirit of the blues.
3. Blues Before Sunrise
“Blues Before Sunrise” is a classic blues song originally recorded by John Lee Hooker, an influential blues musician known for his distinctive guitar playing and deep, gravelly voice. The song was first released in 1960 on his album “Travelin’.”
“Blues Before Sunrise” is characterized by its slow tempo, melancholic melody, and soulful lyrics that convey themes of heartache and longing. Hooker’s emotive vocal delivery and bluesy guitar work create a haunting and evocative atmosphere, capturing the essence of traditional blues music.
The song has been covered by various artists over the years, reflecting its enduring appeal and significance within the blues genre. “Blues Before Sunrise” remains a testament to John Lee Hooker’s musical legacy and his ability to convey deep emotions through his raw and authentic blues style.
4. Crawling King Snake
“Crawling King Snake” is a blues song that has been covered by various artists over the years, including John Lee Hooker. It was originally written and recorded by blues musician Tony Hollins in 1941. John Lee Hooker’s rendition, released in 1949, is particularly notable and has become one of his signature songs.
The song features a hypnotic, crawling rhythm and Hooker’s deep, gritty vocals. Lyrically, “Crawling King Snake” describes a snake’s movements and compares them to the singer’s intentions and desires. It’s a classic example of Hooker’s ability to create a moody and atmospheric blues experience, with his guitar playing and vocals evoking a sense of longing and sensuality.
Over the years, “Crawling King Snake” has been covered by numerous blues and rock artists, reflecting its enduring popularity and influence within the blues genre. John Lee Hooker’s version, in particular, remains a cornerstone of his discography and a testament to his unique contribution to the blues.
5. I’m In The Mood
“I’m in the Mood” is a classic blues song recorded by John Lee Hooker in 1951. It’s known for its laid-back, sultry groove and Hooker’s deep, soulful vocals. The song features a simple yet infectious rhythm, driven by Hooker’s rhythmic guitar playing and supported by minimal instrumentation.
Lyrically, “I’m in the Mood” explores themes of love, desire, and romance. Hooker’s expressive delivery and raw, emotive style capture the essence of the blues, conveying a sense of longing and sensuality. The song’s repetitive structure and hypnotic melody contribute to its timeless appeal and make it a favorite among fans of traditional blues music.
“I’m in the Mood” is one of John Lee Hooker’s most popular and enduring songs, showcasing his ability to evoke deep emotions through his music and solidifying his reputation as a legendary figure in the blues genre.
6. Boom Boom
“Boom Boom” is a blues song written by John Lee Hooker, originally recorded in 1961. It’s one of his most famous and recognizable tracks, known for its infectious rhythm, hypnotic guitar riff, and distinctive vocal style.
Lyrically, “Boom Boom” features a call-and-response structure with Hooker’s deep, gravelly voice driving the narrative. The song’s lyrics revolve around themes of desire, attraction, and romantic pursuit, delivered with Hooker’s characteristic swagger and charm.
Musically, “Boom Boom” showcases Hooker’s mastery of the blues genre, blending elements of rhythm and blues with his own unique guitar technique and vocal delivery. The song’s energetic groove and catchy melody have made it a staple in blues music and a favorite among both fans and musicians alike.
“Boom Boom” has been covered and interpreted by various artists over the years, cementing its status as a classic blues standard and a testament to John Lee Hooker’s enduring influence on the genre.
7. Boogie Chillen’
“Boogie Chillen'” is a seminal blues song by John Lee Hooker, released in 1948. It’s considered one of Hooker’s signature songs and a landmark in the development of electric blues. The song features Hooker’s raw, rhythmic guitar playing and his powerful, gritty vocals.
Lyrically, “Boogie Chillen'” is a simple yet hypnotic narrative about a young man’s desire to boogie and have a good time. The repetitive guitar riff and Hooker’s rhythmic chanting create an irresistible groove that became a blueprint for countless blues and rock songs that followed.
“Boogie Chillen'” was a major hit for Hooker and established him as a prominent figure in the blues scene. Its influence can still be heard in contemporary blues and rock music, making it a timeless classic in American music history.
8. I Don’t Want Your Money
“I Don’t Want Your Money” is a blues song by John Lee Hooker, originally recorded in 1956. The song features Hooker’s trademark raw vocals and minimalist guitar style, characteristic of his early recordings.
Lyrically, “I Don’t Want Your Money” expresses independence and self-reliance. Hooker’s lyrics convey a rejection of materialism and a desire for personal freedom, reflecting themes common in blues music where emotional depth and personal expression are paramount.
Musically, the song is driven by a steady rhythm and Hooker’s rhythmic guitar playing, creating a simple yet compelling groove. His vocals, delivered with a deep, soulful resonance, add to the song’s emotional impact and authenticity.
“I Don’t Want Your Money” is a testament to John Lee Hooker’s ability to convey profound emotions through his music and lyrics, reflecting his enduring influence on the blues genre and his status as a legendary figure in American music history.
9. One Bourbon, One Scotch, One Beer
“One Bourbon, One Scotch, One Beer” is a blues song originally written by Rudy Toombs and popularized by John Lee Hooker in 1966. It’s a storytelling blues number that follows a man’s narrative of drinking away his troubles after experiencing a series of unfortunate events. The song’s repetitive structure and Hooker’s soulful delivery emphasize the protagonist’s woes and his humorous attempts to drown them in alcohol.
John Lee Hooker’s version of “One Bourbon, One Scotch, One Beer” became a hit and remains one of his most recognizable songs. Its catchy rhythm and relatable lyrics have made it a favorite among blues enthusiasts and have inspired numerous covers by artists across different genres. The song’s enduring popularity underscores its status as a classic in blues music history.
10. Messin’ with the Hook
“Messin’ with the Hook” is an album by blues guitarist and singer John Lee Hooker, released in 1970. It features Hooker’s distinctive style of blues, characterized by his gritty vocals and hypnotic guitar playing. The album includes tracks like “Messin’ with the Hook,” “The Motor City Is Burning,” and “I Got My Eyes on You,” showcasing Hooker’s ability to create intense and soulful blues compositions.
“Messin’ with the Hook” captures the essence of Hooker’s raw and emotive approach to blues music, highlighting his influence on subsequent generations of blues and rock musicians. The album’s tracks are characterized by their deep grooves, powerful lyrics, and Hooker’s signature improvisational style, making it a significant entry in his discography.