John Lee Hooker was an American blues singer, songwriter, and guitarist, born on August 22, 1917, in Clarksdale, Mississippi. He is considered one of the greatest blues musicians of all time, known for his unique guitar playing and deep, growling voice.
Hooker began his music career in the 1940s, playing in juke joints and bars in Detroit, Michigan. His early recordings, such as “Boogie Chillen” (1948), helped establish him as a rising star in the blues scene. Hooker’s music was characterized by its rhythmic intensity, with his guitar often serving as the sole accompaniment to his vocals.
Throughout his career, Hooker recorded numerous albums and singles, showcasing his distinctive blend of Delta blues, boogie-woogie, and rhythm and blues. His songs often dealt with themes of love, loneliness, and the hardships of life, resonating with audiences around the world.
Hooker’s influence on blues and rock music is profound, with artists like Eric Clapton, The Rolling Stones, and Carlos Santana citing him as a major inspiration. He received multiple Grammy Awards and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1991. Hooker continued to perform and record music up until his death on June 21, 2001, leaving behind a lasting legacy as one of the greatest blues musicians of all time.
1. Chill Out (Things Gonna Change)
“Chill Out (Things Gonna Change)” is a song by John Lee Hooker from his album “Chill Out,” released in 1995. The song features a collaboration with Carlos Santana, who provides guitar accompaniment.
“Chill Out (Things Gonna Change)” is a slow blues track with a laid-back groove and a message of hope and resilience. The song’s lyrics speak to the struggles of life and the need to keep a positive attitude, even in the face of adversity. Santana’s guitar playing adds a soulful and melodic touch to the song, complementing Hooker’s deep, raspy vocals.
The collaboration between Hooker and Santana was well-received, with “Chill Out (Things Gonna Change)” becoming one of the standout tracks on the album. The song showcases both artists’ musical talents and their ability to create a powerful and moving blues experience.
2. Dimples
“Dimples” is a blues song written and recorded by John Lee Hooker in 1956. It has since become one of his most famous and enduring songs, covered by many artists over the years.
“Dimples” features Hooker’s trademark boogie rhythm and raw, powerful vocals. The lyrics are playful and suggestive, with Hooker singing about his love for a woman with dimples in her cheeks.
The song’s infectious groove and catchy lyrics have made it a favorite among blues fans and a staple of Hooker’s live performances. “Dimples” has been covered by artists like The Allman Brothers Band, John Hammond Jr., and George Thorogood, among others, further solidifying its status as a blues classic.
3. Blues Before Sunrise
“Blues Before Sunrise” is a blues song written and recorded by John Lee Hooker. It was first released as a single in 1951 and has since become a blues standard, covered by many artists over the years.
“Blues Before Sunrise” features Hooker’s trademark guitar playing style, with a slow, melancholic groove and soulful vocals. The lyrics speak of heartbreak and loneliness, with Hooker lamenting the loss of a lover.
The song’s haunting melody and emotional depth have made it a favorite among blues enthusiasts. “Blues Before Sunrise” showcases Hooker’s ability to convey deep emotion through his music, establishing him as one of the most influential blues artists of his time.
4. Crawling King Snake
“Crawling King Snake” is a blues song written and recorded by John Lee Hooker, one of the most influential blues musicians of the 20th century. Hooker originally recorded the song in 1949, and it has since become one of his signature tunes.
The song is characterized by its hypnotic rhythm, sparse instrumentation, and Hooker’s deep, gravelly vocals. Lyrically, “Crawling King Snake” describes a man’s encounter with a seductive woman who moves “on her belly like a reptile on the ground,” evoking imagery of sensuality and danger. The lyrics draw on themes of desire, temptation, and the primal instincts of human nature.
Musically, “Crawling King Snake” features Hooker’s distinctive guitar playing style, characterized by its repetitive, rhythmic patterns and raw, bluesy sound. The song’s minimalistic arrangement allows Hooker’s vocals and guitar to take center stage, creating an atmosphere of mystery and intrigue.
Over the years, “Crawling King Snake” has been covered by numerous artists across various genres, including The Doors, who recorded a version for their 1971 album “L.A. Woman.” Hooker’s original recording remains a classic in the blues genre, celebrated for its timeless appeal and iconic status in his extensive catalog.
5. I’m In The Mood
“I’m in the Mood” is a blues song written and recorded by John Lee Hooker. It was first released as a single in 1951 and has since become one of his most popular and enduring songs.
“I’m in the Mood” features Hooker’s signature boogie rhythm and raw, gritty vocals. The lyrics are simple but effective, with Hooker singing about his desire for a romantic encounter.
The song’s infectious groove and hypnotic feel have made it a favorite among blues fans and a staple of Hooker’s live performances. “I’m in the Mood” has been covered by many artists over the years, further cementing its status as a blues classic.
6. Boom Boom
“Boom Boom” is a blues song written and recorded by John Lee Hooker in 1961. It is one of Hooker’s most famous and enduring songs, often considered a blues standard.
“Boom Boom” features a driving rhythm, catchy guitar riff, and Hooker’s distinctive vocal delivery. Lyrically, the song tells the story of a man who is confident in his ability to attract women and bring them joy, singing “Boom boom boom boom, I’m gonna shoot you right down.”
The song’s repetitive structure and infectious groove make it a favorite among audiences and musicians alike. It has been covered by numerous artists over the years, including The Animals, who had a hit with their version in 1964.
“Boom Boom” remains a classic in the blues genre, celebrated for its irresistible energy and timeless appeal. It showcases John Lee Hooker’s unique style and influence on the development of blues and rock music.
7. Boogie Chillen’
“Boogie Chillen'” is a blues song written and recorded by John Lee Hooker in 1948. It is one of Hooker’s most famous and influential recordings, often regarded as a seminal blues track.
The song features Hooker’s distinctive guitar playing style, characterized by its driving rhythm, repetitive riff, and raw, hypnotic sound. Lyrically, “Boogie Chillen'” is a simple blues number, with Hooker singing about his desire to boogie and have a good time. The song’s infectious groove and catchy melody make it a favorite among blues fans and musicians.
“Boogie Chillen'” was a major success upon its release and helped establish Hooker as a leading figure in the blues genre. It became a hit on the R&B charts and has since been covered by numerous artists across various genres.
The song’s enduring popularity and influence have cemented its status as a classic in the blues canon. It remains a staple of Hooker’s repertoire and a testament to his talent as a songwriter, guitarist, and performer.
8. I Don’t Want Your Money
“I Don’t Want Your Money” is a song by the British rock band, RavenEye. It is one of the band’s popular tracks from their debut album, “Nova,” released in 2016.
The song features gritty guitar riffs, driving rhythms, and powerful vocals, characteristic of RavenEye’s high-energy rock sound. Lyrically, “I Don’t Want Your Money” expresses a sentiment of independence and self-reliance, rejecting material wealth in favor of personal freedom and authenticity.
With its catchy hooks and dynamic instrumentation, “I Don’t Want Your Money” has become a fan favorite and a staple of RavenEye’s live performances. It showcases the band’s ability to deliver hard-hitting rock anthems with a modern edge, drawing inspiration from classic rock influences while infusing their own unique style.
Overall, “I Don’t Want Your Money” captures the essence of RavenEye’s energetic and passionate approach to rock music, resonating with audiences who appreciate raw, unapologetic rock and roll.
9. One Bourbon, One Scotch, One Beer
“One Bourbon, One Scotch, One Beer” is a blues song written by Rudy Toombs and recorded by John Lee Hooker. It was first released as a single in 1966 and later included on his album “House of the Blues.”
The song tells the story of a man who has been out of work for a long time and decides to go to a bar to drown his sorrows. He orders one bourbon, one scotch, and one beer, intending to drink them all and forget about his troubles. The song’s lyrics are humorous and relatable, capturing the frustration and desperation of the protagonist’s situation.
“One Bourbon, One Scotch, One Beer” has been covered by many artists over the years, including George Thorogood and the Destroyers, who had a hit with their version in 1977. The song has become a blues standard and a fan favorite at Hooker’s live shows, showcasing his unique style and storytelling abilities.
10. Messin’ with the Hook
“Messin’ with the Hook” is a live album by American blues musician John Lee Hooker, released in 1979. The album features recordings from various live performances and showcases Hooker’s raw and powerful blues style.
“Messin’ with the Hook” captures Hooker’s electrifying stage presence and improvisational prowess as he delivers soulful renditions of classic blues tunes. The album includes iconic tracks such as “Boom Boom,” “Boogie Chillen’,” and “One Bourbon, One Scotch, One Beer,” among others.
With its gritty guitar work, soulful vocals, and infectious grooves, “Messin’ with the Hook” exemplifies Hooker’s mastery of the blues genre. The album’s live recordings capture the energy and excitement of Hooker’s live performances, transporting listeners to the heart of a smoky blues club.
“Messin’ with the Hook” is a testament to John Lee Hooker’s enduring legacy as one of the greatest blues musicians of all time. It remains a cherished album among blues enthusiasts and a must-have in any blues aficionado’s collection.