John Lee Hooker was an influential American blues singer, songwriter, and guitarist. Born on August 22, 1917, in Clarksdale, Mississippi, Hooker became one of the most renowned and distinctive figures in the blues genre, known for his deep, growling voice, hypnotic guitar style, and rhythmic boogie patterns.
Hooker’s music often revolved around themes of love, hardship, and the African American experience, and his raw, expressive performances captivated audiences around the world. He recorded numerous albums throughout his career, including classics like “Boogie Chillen’,” “Crawlin’ King Snake,” and “Boom Boom.”
Hooker’s influence extended beyond the blues genre, with his music inspiring generations of rock and roll artists. His distinctive guitar playing and powerful vocal delivery left an indelible mark on the music world, earning him accolades such as induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1991 and a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2000.
John Lee Hooker passed away on June 21, 2001, but his legacy continues to live on through his timeless recordings and enduring impact on blues and rock music. He remains one of the most revered and influential figures in the history of American music.
1. Chill Out (Things Gonna Change)
“Chill Out (Things Gonna Change)” is a song by John Lee Hooker from his 1995 album of the same name. The track features British musician Carlos Santana on guitar and is characterized by its laid-back groove, soulful vocals, and bluesy guitar licks.
Lyrically, “Chill Out (Things Gonna Change)” addresses themes of resilience and hope in the face of adversity. Hooker’s deep, gravelly voice delivers the lyrics with a sense of wisdom and experience, while Santana’s expressive guitar playing adds emotional depth to the song.
The track received critical acclaim for its powerful message and the chemistry between Hooker and Santana. It became a standout track on the album and remains a favorite among fans of both artists. “Chill Out (Things Gonna Change)” exemplifies the timeless appeal of Hooker’s music and his ability to connect with listeners through his soulful blues style.
2. Dimples
“Dimples” is a classic blues song written and originally performed by John Lee Hooker. It was first released in 1956 as a single on the Vee-Jay label. The song has since become one of Hooker’s signature tracks and a staple of the blues genre.
“Dimples” is characterized by its catchy guitar riff, driving rhythm, and Hooker’s distinctive vocal delivery. The lyrics playfully describe the physical features of a woman, focusing on her dimples and the effect they have on the narrator. The song’s upbeat tempo and infectious groove make it a favorite among blues fans and musicians alike.
Over the years, “Dimples” has been covered by numerous artists from various genres, further cementing its status as a blues standard. It has been featured in films, television shows, and commercials, and remains a beloved classic in the John Lee Hooker catalog.
3. Blues Before Sunrise
“Blues Before Sunrise” is a classic blues song written and originally performed by John Lee Hooker. It was first released in 1951 as a single on the Modern Records label. The song is characterized by its slow, melancholic tempo, soulful guitar playing, and Hooker’s emotive vocals.
Lyrically, “Blues Before Sunrise” reflects on themes of heartbreak, loss, and loneliness. The narrator laments the pain of lost love and the emptiness that comes with the dawn of a new day. The song’s lyrics capture the raw emotion and vulnerability of the blues, resonating with listeners who have experienced similar struggles.
“Blues Before Sunrise” has since become one of Hooker’s most enduring and beloved songs, and it has been covered by numerous artists across various genres. Its haunting melody and poignant lyrics continue to captivate audiences and serve as a testament to Hooker’s profound influence on the blues genre.
4. Crawling King Snake
“Crawling King Snake” is a blues song that has been recorded by various artists over the years, but it is often associated with John Lee Hooker. Hooker recorded the song several times throughout his career, with one of the most famous versions appearing on his 1949 single for the Modern Records label.
The song’s lyrics depict the singer as a “crawling king snake” who is seeking his lover. The imagery of the crawling snake is often interpreted as a metaphor for the singer’s seductive prowess. The chorus features the lines “I’m a crawling king snake, baby, and I rule my den / I’m a crawling king snake, baby, and I rule my den / Yeah, don’t mess ’round with my mate, gonna use her for myself.”
Musically, “Crawling King Snake” is a slow blues song with a hypnotic rhythm. The song is typically played in a minor key, adding to its dark and mysterious feel. Hooker’s sparse guitar playing and deep, drawling vocals contribute to the song’s haunting atmosphere.
“Crawling King Snake” has been covered by many artists over the years, including The Doors, who included a version of the song on their 1971 album “L.A. Woman.” The song’s bluesy groove and provocative lyrics have made it a favorite among blues musicians and fans alike, cementing its status as a classic of the genre.
5. I’m In The Mood
“I’m in the Mood” is a blues song originally recorded by John Lee Hooker in 1951. It was released as a single by Modern Records. The song features a slow, bluesy groove with Hooker’s signature guitar playing and deep, gritty vocals.
“I’m in the Mood” is a classic example of Hooker’s style, with its raw, hypnotic rhythm and suggestive lyrics. The song’s lyrics describe a desire for romantic and physical intimacy, with Hooker singing about being in the mood for love.
Over the years, “I’m in the Mood” has been covered by many artists, including artists such as Bonnie Raitt and Johnny Winter, showcasing its enduring popularity and influence in the blues genre. The song’s seductive rhythm and soulful vocals have made it a favorite among blues fans and musicians alike, solidifying its place as a blues standard.
6. Boom Boom
“Boom Boom” is a blues song written and performed by John Lee Hooker. It was released as a single in 1962 and became one of Hooker’s most famous and enduring songs. The track is characterized by its driving rhythm, infectious groove, and distinctive guitar riff.
Lyrically, “Boom Boom” is a playful and suggestive song, with Hooker singing about the power of attraction and the excitement of a romantic encounter. The repetitive nature of the lyrics, combined with the song’s catchy melody, contributes to its hypnotic and infectious quality.
“Boom Boom” has been covered by numerous artists over the years and has been featured in films, television shows, and commercials, further solidifying its status as a blues classic. The song remains a favorite among fans of Hooker’s music and is often regarded as one of his signature tracks.
7. Boogie Chillen’
“Boogie Chillen'” is a blues song written and recorded by John Lee Hooker in 1948. It was Hooker’s debut single and became his first hit, helping to launch his career as a blues musician.
“Boogie Chillen'” is a mid-tempo blues boogie featuring Hooker’s unique guitar playing style and distinctive vocals. The song’s lyrics are simple but effective, with Hooker singing about wanting to boogie and have a good time. The chorus features the memorable lines “One night I was layin’ down / I heard mama and papa talkin’ / I heard papa tell mama, let that boy boogie-woogie / It’s in him and it got to come out.”
Musically, “Boogie Chillen'” is characterized by its driving rhythm and repetitive guitar riff, which creates a hypnotic groove. The song’s stripped-down arrangement and raw, gritty sound are hallmarks of Hooker’s early recordings and helped to define his unique blues style.
“Boogie Chillen'” was a commercial success, reaching number one on the R&B charts and establishing Hooker as a major figure in the blues world. The song’s impact has endured over the years, and it remains one of Hooker’s most famous and influential recordings.
8. I Don’t Want Your Money
“I Don’t Want Your Money” is a blues song written and originally performed by John Lee Hooker. It was released as a single in 1961 on the Vee-Jay label. The song features Hooker’s characteristic boogie rhythm and raw, emotive vocals.
Lyrically, “I Don’t Want Your Money” is a defiant declaration of independence. Hooker sings about rejecting material wealth and societal expectations, preferring instead to live life on his own terms. The song’s lyrics reflect Hooker’s rebellious spirit and his disdain for conformity.
“I Don’t Want Your Money” is a prime example of Hooker’s unique blend of Delta blues, boogie-woogie, and rhythm and blues. Its infectious groove and infectious energy have made it a favorite among blues fans and musicians alike. The song remains a staple of Hooker’s repertoire and a testament to his enduring influence on the blues genre.
9. One Bourbon, One Scotch, One Beer
“One Bourbon, One Scotch, One Beer” is a blues song written by Rudy Toombs and famously performed by John Lee Hooker. It was originally recorded in 1953 under the title “One Scotch, One Bourbon, One Beer” by Amos Milburn. However, it was Hooker’s 1966 adaptation that became the most well-known version.
The song tells the story of a man who has been down on his luck and is drowning his sorrows in alcohol. He recounts his troubles to the bartender, explaining that he’s been evicted from his home, fired from his job, and abandoned by his woman. Despite his misfortunes, he continues to drink, ordering “one bourbon, one scotch, and one beer” as he tries to forget his problems.
Hooker’s rendition of “One Bourbon, One Scotch, One Beer” features his signature boogie rhythm, gritty vocals, and hypnotic guitar playing. The song’s bluesy groove and catchy refrain have made it a classic of the genre, and it has been covered by numerous artists over the years.
“One Bourbon, One Scotch, One Beer” remains one of John Lee Hooker’s most enduring and influential recordings, showcasing his talent for storytelling and his mastery of the blues.
10. Messin’ with the Hook
“Messin’ with the Hook” is a compilation album by blues musician John Lee Hooker, released in 1972. The album features recordings from various sessions in the late 1960s and early 1970s, showcasing Hooker’s raw and gritty blues style.
The tracks on “Messin’ with the Hook” capture Hooker’s powerful vocals and hypnotic guitar playing. The album includes a mix of original songs and blues standards, all delivered with Hooker’s trademark intensity and passion.
One of the standout tracks on the album is “Messin’ with the Hook,” a gritty blues number where Hooker warns against crossing him. The song features a driving rhythm and Hooker’s distinctive guitar work, creating a powerful and compelling blues experience.
“Messin’ with the Hook” is a testament to Hooker’s enduring talent and influence in the blues genre. The album showcases his ability to create music that is both raw and deeply emotional, making it a must-listen for fans of blues music.