John Lee Hooker was an American blues singer, songwriter, and guitarist who became a seminal figure in the development of electric blues and rock and roll music. Born in Mississippi in 1917, Hooker began his music career in the early 1940s, performing in local clubs and juke joints. His distinctive style of blues, characterized by his raw and emotive vocals and driving guitar rhythms, quickly gained popularity and influenced a generation of musicians.
Over the course of his long career, Hooker recorded many hits, including “Boogie Chillen,” “Crawlin’ King Snake,” and “Boom Boom.” His music was marked by its simplicity and directness, with Hooker’s soulful voice and guitar work capturing the heartache and longing of the blues.
Hooker’s enduring legacy as a performer, songwriter, and musician is a testament to his talent, dedication, and influence on the blues and rock and roll genres. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1991, and remains one of the most beloved and influential figures in the history of American music.
1. Boogie Chillen’
“Boogie Chillen'” is a classic blues song performed by John Lee Hooker, released in 1948. The song’s driving rhythm and Hooker’s emotive vocals and guitar work captured the energy and spirit of the blues, and helped to establish Hooker as a key figure in the genre. The song’s lyrics express a sense of freedom and joy, with Hooker singing of the joys of dancing and boogieing all night long. “Boogie Chillen'” remains a beloved classic of Hooker’s catalog and a testament to his enduring legacy as one of the greatest blues singers and guitarists of all time.
2. I’m In The Mood
“I’m in the Mood” is a classic blues song by John Lee Hooker, released in 1951. The song features Hooker’s signature boogie-woogie guitar style and raw, gritty vocals, which perfectly capture the sensual, playful nature of the lyrics. The song has been covered by many artists over the years, but Hooker’s original version remains the definitive version. It has been praised for its simple but effective structure, and for the way it captures the raw energy and emotion of early blues music. “I’m in the Mood” is a timeless classic that continues to inspire and influence blues musicians to this day.
3. Boom Boom
“Boom Boom” is a blues classic by John Lee Hooker, released in 1962. The song features Hooker’s distinctive gravelly voice and driving guitar riffs, creating a raw and powerful sound that captures the essence of the blues. The lyrics are simple and repetitive, but deliver an infectious energy that is impossible to resist. The song’s catchy hook and memorable guitar riff have made it a staple of Hooker’s live performances and a favorite among blues fans. “Boom Boom” is a timeless example of the power of the blues and Hooker’s enduring influence on the genre.
4. Blues Before Sunrise
“Blues Before Sunrise” is a classic blues song performed by John Lee Hooker, released in 1951. The song’s mournful melody and Hooker’s soulful vocals and guitar work convey a sense of melancholy and longing, characteristic of the blues. The song’s lyrics express the narrator’s despair at the loss of a loved one, with Hooker singing of the pain and heartache of being alone. “Blues Before Sunrise” showcases Hooker’s talent for conveying deep emotions through his music, and his ability to craft memorable melodies and lyrics. The song remains a beloved classic of Hooker’s catalog and a testament to his enduring legacy as one of the greatest blues singers and guitarists of all time.
5. I Don’t Want Your Money
“I Don’t Want Your Money” is a blues standard by John Lee Hooker, recorded in 1954. The song features Hooker’s signature guitar riffs and deep, soulful vocals. The lyrics tell the story of a man who is not interested in money or material possessions, only the love of a woman. Hooker’s raw, stripped-down style of playing showcases his talent as a guitarist and his ability to convey emotion through his voice. “I Don’t Want Your Money” is a classic example of the Delta blues and is revered as one of Hooker’s most iconic tracks.
6. Crawling King Snake
“Crawling King Snake” is a classic blues song by John Lee Hooker, characterized by its hypnotic rhythm and sparse instrumentation. The song is built around a simple riff played on Hooker’s electric guitar, with his distinctive, raspy vocals weaving tales of desire and temptation. The lyrics evoke a sense of danger and sensuality, drawing the listener in with their raw honesty and authenticity. Hooker’s signature “talking blues” style, combined with his use of call-and-response vocals, creates a powerful sense of intimacy and immediacy, making “Crawling King Snake” a timeless classic of the blues genre.
7. One Bourbon, One Scotch, One Beer
“One Bourbon, One Scotch, One Beer” is a classic blues song performed by John Lee Hooker, released in 1966. The song’s upbeat rhythm and Hooker’s emotive vocals and guitar work capture the fun and energy of the blues, and helped to establish Hooker as a key figure in the genre. The song’s lyrics tell the story of a man drinking to drown his sorrows and escape his problems. “One Bourbon, One Scotch, One Beer” remains a beloved classic of Hooker’s catalog and a testament to his enduring legacy as one of the greatest blues singers and guitarists of all time.
8. Chill Out (Things Gonna Change)
“Chill Out (Things Gonna Change)” is a collaboration between blues legend John Lee Hooker and guitarist Carlos Santana. The song was released in 1995 and features Hooker’s deep, gritty vocals over Santana’s distinctive guitar playing. The track has a slow, bluesy groove with a catchy guitar riff and a solid rhythm section. The lyrics speak of the struggles of everyday life and the need to take a break and let things work themselves out. It’s a powerful and soulful song that showcases the talents of two musical icons at their best.
9. Messin’ with the Hook
“Mesin’ with the Hook” is a gritty and electrifying blues track by the legendary John Lee Hooker. Released in 1973, the song features Hooker’s signature growling vocals, accompanied by his soulful guitar playing and a powerful rhythm section. The lyrics tell the tale of a man who is fed up with being taken for granted and mistreated by a woman. The track showcases Hooker’s ability to deliver a raw and emotional performance, with each note and word seemingly coming from deep within his soul. “Messin’ with the Hook” remains a classic example of the power and impact of Hooker’s music.
10. Dimples
“Dimples” is a classic blues song by John Lee Hooker, originally released in 1956. The song features a simple but powerful guitar riff and Hooker’s signature growling vocals, creating a raw and gritty sound that is instantly recognizable. The lyrics describe a woman with dimples and Hooker’s desire to be with her. The song has been covered by numerous artists and has become a staple in blues and rock music. Hooker’s expressive and intense delivery, combined with the song’s memorable riff, has made “Dimples” a timeless classic that continues to be celebrated by music lovers around the world.
Edward Tomlin is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
