John Lee Hooker (August 22, 1912 – June 21, 2001) was an iconic American blues singer, songwriter, and guitarist. Born in Clarksdale, Mississippi, Hooker was a central figure in the development of the electric blues genre. His music is characterized by its raw, emotive vocal style, repetitive guitar riffs, and the incorporation of elements from Delta blues and boogie-woogie.
Hooker’s career began in the late 1940s with his breakthrough single “Boogie Chillen,” which became a hit and established his unique sound. Over the decades, he released numerous classics, including “Boom Boom,” “Crawling King Snake,” and “One Bourbon, One Scotch, One Beer.” His influence extended across genres, impacting rock, jazz, and R&B musicians.
Known for his powerful stage presence and distinctive style, Hooker received many accolades, including Grammy Awards and induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. His legacy endures as a foundational figure in blues music, inspiring countless artists and contributing significantly to the genre’s evolution.
1. Chill Out (Things Gonna Change)
“Chill Out (Things Gonna Change)” is a song by blues legend John Lee Hooker, featuring guitarist Carlos Santana. Released in 1995 on the album *Chill Out*, the track combines Hooker’s signature blues style with Santana’s distinctive Latin rock guitar sound.
The song’s lyrics offer a message of hope and reassurance, with Hooker advising listeners to remain calm and confident that things will improve. The collaboration with Santana adds a unique flavor to the track, blending blues and rock elements seamlessly.
“Chill Out (Things Gonna Change)” received positive reviews for its soulful and soothing vibe, as well as the effective interplay between Hooker’s deep, gravelly voice and Santana’s expressive guitar work. The album itself showcased Hooker’s ability to evolve and experiment with different sounds while maintaining his blues roots, further solidifying his status as a versatile and influential musician.
2. Dimples
“Dimples” is a classic blues song by John Lee Hooker, first recorded in 1956 and released in 1959. This track is one of Hooker’s most enduring and popular songs, showcasing his signature style and influencing many future blues and rock musicians.
Musically, “Dimples” is characterized by its driving rhythm, catchy guitar riff, and Hooker’s deep, resonant vocals. The song features a repetitive and hypnotic guitar pattern that is typical of Hooker’s minimalist but powerful approach to the blues. The beat is steady and insistent, creating a groove that is both compelling and infectious.
Lyrically, “Dimples” is a straightforward love song in which Hooker sings about his admiration for a woman’s physical features, specifically her dimples. The lyrics are simple but effective, capturing the raw emotion and attraction Hooker feels. The refrain, “I love the way you walk, I love the way you talk,” underscores the song’s focus on the woman’s charm and allure.
“Dimples” stands out not only for its musical quality but also for its influence on later artists. It has been covered and adapted by numerous musicians over the years, including The Animals and The Spencer Davis Group, indicating its significant impact on the rock and blues genres.
John Lee Hooker’s contribution to the blues is immense, and “Dimples” is a prime example of his ability to create music that is both deeply rooted in tradition and timeless in its appeal. The song remains a favorite among blues enthusiasts and continues to be celebrated for its infectious rhythm and Hooker’s distinctive style.
3. Blues Before Sunrise
“Blues Before Sunrise” is a blues standard originally recorded by blues musician Leroy Carr in 1934. The song has been covered by various artists over the years, becoming a staple in the blues genre.
Leroy Carr’s original version of “Blues Before Sunrise” is a slow, mournful blues tune characterized by Carr’s smooth, melancholic piano playing and heartfelt vocal delivery. The song features themes of heartache and longing, common in blues music, as Carr sings about feeling blue and forlorn before the break of dawn. His lyrics capture the sense of sadness and desolation that often accompanies the end of a relationship or the feeling of being alone.
John Lee Hooker’s version of “Blues Before Sunrise,” recorded later, brings his unique style to the song. Hooker’s interpretation is marked by his deep, resonant voice and rhythmic guitar playing. His version retains the emotional depth of the original while adding his distinctive Delta blues influence. Hooker’s raw, emotive delivery and signature guitar riffs give the song a new dimension, making it both a tribute to the original and a showcase of his own blues artistry.
Musically, “Blues Before Sunrise” in Hooker’s hands features a repetitive, hypnotic guitar pattern, a hallmark of his minimalist approach to the blues. The song’s slow tempo and melancholic melody create an atmosphere of introspection and emotional intensity.
“Blues Before Sunrise” remains an important piece in the blues repertoire, illustrating the genre’s capacity to convey deep emotional truths through simple yet powerful musical and lyrical expressions. Both Leroy Carr’s original recording and John Lee Hooker’s later interpretation continue to be appreciated by blues enthusiasts for their authenticity and emotional impact.
4. Crawling King Snake
“Crawling King Snake” is a classic blues song famously recorded by John Lee Hooker. While the song’s origins trace back to the early 20th century and it has been performed by numerous artists, Hooker’s 1949 version is one of the most well-known and influential renditions.
Hooker’s interpretation of “Crawling King Snake” features his deep, resonant voice and hypnotic guitar playing, characterized by a repetitive, driving rhythm that is emblematic of his style. The lyrics of the song, with their themes of dominance and raw, earthy imagery, convey a sense of primal energy.
The song has been covered by many artists across various genres, including The Doors, who added their own rock twist to it. Hooker’s version, however, remains a seminal recording in the blues genre, showcasing his ability to infuse traditional blues with his unique, electrifying sound.
“Crawling King Snake” highlights Hooker’s profound influence on the development of blues music and his ability to capture the raw essence of the genre in his performances.
5. I’m In The Mood
“I’m in the Mood” is a blues song by John Lee Hooker, originally recorded in 1951. The track became one of Hooker’s most famous and successful songs, solidifying his place in the blues music pantheon.
The song features Hooker’s deep, soulful voice and his characteristic, hypnotic guitar style. The lyrics express a desire for love and intimacy, with Hooker’s vocal delivery conveying a sense of longing and urgency. The repetitive, rhythmic structure of the song is a hallmark of Hooker’s approach to the blues, creating a mesmerizing and compelling sound.
“I’m in the Mood” has been covered by numerous artists over the years, further attesting to its enduring appeal. One notable version is the 1989 collaboration between Hooker and Bonnie Raitt, which appeared on Hooker’s album *The Healer*. This version won a Grammy Award for Best Traditional Blues Recording, showcasing the timeless quality of the song and Hooker’s continued relevance in the music world.
The song remains a classic example of Hooker’s ability to blend raw emotion with musical simplicity, making “I’m in the Mood” a standout track in his extensive catalog.
6. Boom Boom
“Boom Boom” is one of John Lee Hooker’s most famous and enduring songs, originally released in 1962. The track exemplifies Hooker’s distinctive style, blending elements of Delta blues with a more urban, electric sound that helped bridge traditional blues with modern rock and roll.
Musically, “Boom Boom” features a driving rhythm, characterized by its catchy, repetitive guitar riff and steady beat. The song’s structure is straightforward yet compelling, with Hooker’s deep, commanding voice delivering the lyrics with a sense of urgency and charisma. The instrumentation is relatively simple, with guitar, bass, and drums creating a groove that is both infectious and danceable.
Lyrically, “Boom Boom” is a playful and flirtatious song in which Hooker addresses a woman who catches his eye. The chorus, “Boom boom boom boom / I’m gonna shoot you right down,” is both memorable and iconic, capturing the directness and intensity of Hooker’s style. The lyrics convey a sense of admiration and attraction, wrapped in a metaphor of pursuit and conquest.
The song’s success helped to further Hooker’s career and cement his place as a major figure in the blues and rock and roll scenes. “Boom Boom” became a hit on both the R&B and pop charts, showcasing Hooker’s broad appeal. Its influence can be heard in the work of many later artists, and it has been covered by numerous musicians, including The Animals and Van Morrison, highlighting its lasting impact.
“Boom Boom” is not only a significant track in John Lee Hooker’s catalog but also an important piece of blues history. Its blend of traditional blues elements with a more modern, electrified sound helped pave the way for future generations of blues and rock musicians. The song remains a staple in the genre, celebrated for its catchy melody, rhythmic drive, and Hooker’s unmistakable vocal and guitar style.
7. Boogie Chillen’
“Boogie Chillen’” is a landmark blues song by John Lee Hooker, first recorded in 1948. This track is widely regarded as one of Hooker’s most influential and successful works, and it played a significant role in popularizing the electric blues sound.
“Boogie Chillen’” features Hooker’s distinctive deep voice and minimalist, rhythmic guitar style. The song’s structure is simple yet compelling, driven by a hypnotic boogie rhythm that became a signature of Hooker’s music. The lyrics tell the story of Hooker’s experiences growing up in the South and his move to Detroit, where he discovered the bustling nightlife and music scene.
The song’s repetitive riff and Hooker’s powerful storytelling captured the raw essence of the blues, resonating with a wide audience. “Boogie Chillen’” became a major hit, reaching number one on the Billboard R&B chart, and established Hooker as a significant figure in the blues genre.
“Boogie Chillen’” has been covered and referenced by numerous artists over the decades, cementing its status as a blues classic. The song’s success helped pave the way for Hooker’s long and influential career, making it a foundational track in the history of blues music.
8. I Don’t Want Your Money
“I Don’t Want Your Money” is a blues song by John Lee Hooker, released in 1960. Known for its raw emotional power and minimalist musical arrangement, the track exemplifies Hooker’s deep connection to the Delta blues tradition while showcasing his distinctive vocal and guitar style.
Musically, “I Don’t Want Your Money” features Hooker’s characteristic approach to the blues, with a repetitive, hypnotic guitar riff and a steady, driving rhythm. The instrumentation is sparse, allowing Hooker’s voice and guitar to take center stage. His deep, resonant voice delivers the lyrics with a sense of conviction and authenticity, drawing the listener into the song’s narrative.
Lyrically, “I Don’t Want Your Money” is a declaration of independence and self-respect. In the song, Hooker rejects material wealth and superficial offers, emphasizing that his needs and desires go beyond money. The lyrics convey a sense of pride and integrity, with lines like “I don’t want your money, baby, I just want your time” underscoring the importance of genuine human connection and respect over material possessions.
The song’s straightforward, no-nonsense message and Hooker’s powerful delivery resonate deeply with listeners, making it a memorable and impactful track in his extensive catalog. “I Don’t Want Your Money” stands out for its simplicity and emotional depth, capturing the essence of Hooker’s blues artistry.
John Lee Hooker’s influence on the blues genre is immense, and songs like “I Don’t Want Your Money” highlight his ability to convey complex emotions and themes through simple, yet powerful musical expressions. The track remains a classic example of Hooker’s work and continues to be appreciated by blues enthusiasts for its authenticity and raw emotional power.
9. One Bourbon, One Scotch, One Beer
“One Bourbon, One Scotch, One Beer” is a classic blues song originally written and recorded by Rudy Toombs and first popularized by Amos Milburn in 1953. However, it gained significant fame through John Lee Hooker’s 1966 version, which added a unique touch to the track and solidified it as a blues standard.
In Hooker’s rendition, he transforms the song into a slow, conversational blues piece, telling the story of a man who has lost his job, can’t pay his rent, and seeks solace in a bar with his choice of drinks: bourbon, scotch, and beer. The song’s narrative style and Hooker’s deep, resonant voice convey a sense of desperation and resignation, punctuated by his signature guitar playing.
Hooker’s version of “One Bourbon, One Scotch, One Beer” has been highly influential, inspiring numerous cover versions by artists across different genres. One of the most notable covers is by George Thorogood and the Destroyers, who included it on their 1977 debut album. Thorogood’s version combined Hooker’s arrangement with elements from Milburn’s original, extending the narrative and adding a rock and roll twist.
The enduring popularity of “One Bourbon, One Scotch, One Beer” highlights Hooker’s impact on the blues genre and his ability to take a song and make it distinctly his own. The track remains a favorite among blues enthusiasts and continues to be performed and recorded by various artists worldwide.
10. Messin’ with the Hook
“Messin’ with the Hook” is a song by blues legend John Lee Hooker, featured on his 1972 album of the same name. The album represents Hooker’s collaboration with a new band that included renowned musicians such as the great session guitarist Eddie Kirkland and keyboardist Joe Cocker. This lineup brought a fresh energy and contemporary sound to Hooker’s music, blending his deep blues roots with elements of rock and funk.
The title track, “Messin’ with the Hook,” showcases Hooker’s signature gritty vocals and raw, rhythmic guitar playing. The song is characterized by its driving beat, infectious groove, and Hooker’s unmistakable storytelling style. The lyrics reflect Hooker’s confident persona, warning others about the consequences of crossing him.
“Messin’ with the Hook” and the album as a whole received positive reviews for their dynamic sound and Hooker’s ability to adapt to the changing musical landscape of the early 1970s. The track stands as a testament to Hooker’s versatility and enduring influence in the blues genre. The album also helped to introduce his music to a new generation of listeners, further cementing his legacy as one of the greatest blues musicians of all time.