John Lee Hooker was an American blues singer, songwriter, and guitarist who is considered one of the most influential figures in the history of the blues. Born in Mississippi in 1917, Hooker began his music career in the 1940s and quickly gained a following for his raw, emotional singing and his hypnotic guitar playing.
Hooker’s music was characterized by its simple, repetitive structures and his distinctive voice, which was often compared to a growl. His songs explored themes of love, loss, and the struggles of everyday life, and his music had a profound impact on the development of rock and roll and other popular music genres.
Throughout his long and prolific career, Hooker recorded numerous hit songs, including “Boom Boom,” “Dimples,” and “I’m in the Mood.” He also collaborated with many other legendary musicians, including Eric Clapton, Van Morrison, and Carlos Santana.
Hooker’s influence on the world of music is immeasurable, and his legacy as one of the greatest blues musicians of all time is secure. His music continues to inspire and influence generations of musicians around the world, and his iconic voice and guitar playing will be remembered for generations to come.
1. Chill Out (Things Gonna Change)
This track, with its soulful blues vocals and plucky acoustic guitar riffs, is one of John Lee Hooker's best pieces. The melodic structure evokes the emotional turmoil of a person grappling with the inevitability of change. Hooker's poignant lyrics and the gentle melody cater to a wide range of music tastes, stirring feelings of passion and happiness in listeners.
As one of his signature compositions, 'Chill Out (Things Gonna Change)' showcases Hooker's mastery of storytelling through music. He draws upon his struggles and hardships to create an immersive musical experience that encapsulates both the good and bad moments in life. The song's overall tone resonates with people who have faced emotional upheavals.
What sets this track apart from others in Hooker's extensive discography is its tasteful fusion of various genres, including blues, folk, country, and rock. It makes it more accessible for wider audiences who are keen on discovering different musical styles under one roof.
The inspiration behind the creation of this masterpiece traces back to Hooker being sick for an extended period. During his downtime, he got inspired to write about hope amid despair- a universal theme akin to how things will get better eventually. Therefore, whether you're going through trying times or not- this song provides a comforting reassurance that everything will be alright.
John Lee Hooker's bluesy hooks are so damn catchy, even the devil's humming along to 'Messin' with the Hook'.
2. Messin’ with the Hook
John Lee Hooker's music has been a soulful inspiration for blues enthusiasts. One of his renowned albums, 'Messin’ with the Hook', captivated many listeners with its varied and exciting classic blues tunes.
- Rolling Stone magazine had rated this album as one of the 500 best albums ever.
- The lead single of this album, "The Motor City Is Burning," made it to the top 40s on the R&B charts.
- The album features John Lee Hooker’s distinctive raw voice coupled with his impressive solo guitar performance.
- It is considered one of Hooker’s edgier releases, incorporating elements of rock music into his signature blues style.
- 'Messin’ With The Hook' contains an upbeat fast-paced tempo and also slow traditional blues numbers.
- The album showcases a unique collaboration between John Lee Hooker and other celebrated musicians of his time.
Listeners will enjoy the electrifying sounds of 'Messin’ with the Hook' as it captures a timeless essence that has yet to be matched by modern artists.
Pro Tip: For a deeper understanding of John Lee Hooker’s music, read about his personal life and cultural heritage to gain context into how he shaped the world-renowned blues sound. John Lee Hooker's 'Dimples' is a song that'll make you want to wiggle your own dimples, if you've got 'em, or wish you did if you don't.
3. Dimples
This track, a part of John Lee Hooker's variation-rich repertoire, showcases his signature driving rhythm and blues style. Its lively beat complements the sultry vocals as Hooker croons about his lady's charming "Dimples". The song has been covered by renowned artists like ZZ Top and The Allman Brothers Band. It remains one of Hooker's most iconic songs, offering a glimpse into his mastery of the blues genre.
The electric guitar riff that dominates the opening seconds of this song sets the tone for the rest of Dimples. Hooker's gravelly voice sings over the rapid-paced drum beats, with an irresistible groove that gets listeners swaying along to its upbeat tempo. The lyrics' simplicity disguises their suggestive nature and creates an enduring appeal for fans worldwide. Notably, Hooker repeats certain phrases in a soulful way backed by piercing harmonica notes that break mid-song for improvisations.
Perhaps lesser-known is that Hooker regarded "Dimples" with high esteem as he claimed he came into its creation after seeing an intriguing woman while peeping through her window—an unusual twist to a down-home blues song!
John Lee Hooker's achievements never cease to amaze us, each song revealing his mastery and depth as a musician. "Dimples," one of Hooker's best tracks, grants us insight into both his playful side and his link to Black American music history—making it all-time greats on our list. John Lee Hooker knew how to drown his sorrows with style – just ask him about his preference for bourbon, scotch, and beer.
4. One Bourbon, One Scotch, One Beer
This classic blues song tells the tale of a man trying to drown his sorrows with three different types of alcohol. 'One Bourbon, One Scotch, One Beer' showcases John Lee Hooker's exceptional storytelling skills through his unique style of Delta blues music. The foot-tapping rhythm and catchy chorus make it a fan-favorite at concerts and on the radio.
Hooker's powerful vocals combined with his guitar skills help this song stand out from the rest. The lyrics express a relatable sentiment as they tell the tale of a man who lost his job and is trying to drink away his troubles. The clever use of repetition in each verse adds depth to the song's structure, allowing listeners to connect with its message on various emotional levels.
It should be noted that even though this song has gained widespread popularity over the years, it was initially released in 1953 as 'One Scotch, One Bourbon, One Beer'. Later in 1966, Hooker released another version with a slight change in title 'One Bourbon, One Scotch, One Beer' which stayed true to its original sense.
Pro Tip: For an authentic experience when listening to this song, add ice cubes into your bourbon or scotch just as Hooker suggests in the lyrics. His blues may be before sunrise, but they'll still leave you feeling like you've been up all night drinking whiskey and smoking cigarettes.
5. Blues Before Sunrise
This iconic song, featured on Hooker's album "The Healer," exhibits his signature raw vocals paired with stunning guitar work. The track showcases a slow and soulful blues that leaves listeners feeling melancholic yet fulfilled. Its themes of heartbreak and desperation resonate with audiences and reveal the emotional depth of Hooker's music. As one of his best-known songs, it never fails to impress and remains a fan favorite.
In this blues classic, Hooker takes listeners on an emotional journey through a reflective soliloquy about lost love. His haunting vocals are accompanied by deceptively simple guitar riffs that capture the essence of the genre. Additionally, the track features a memorable harmonica solo that adds another layer of nuance to the composition. "Blues Before Sunrise" showcases Hooker's ability to craft emotionally resonant songs that stand the test of time.
One notable aspect of "Blues Before Sunrise" is its infectious groove that drives the song forward with an undeniable energy. Furthermore, it exemplifies how Hooker masterfully blends traditional blues elements with modern sensibilities to create something truly unique. For those looking to understand the breadth of Hooker's talent, "Blues Before Sunrise" should undoubtedly be at the top of their list.
For fans looking to explore more of John Lee Hooker's catalog, we suggest exploring some lesser-known tracks such as "Crawlin' King Snake," "Boom Boom," and "I'm in the Mood." Each song showcases different facets of Hooker's musical prowess while still retaining his signature sound. By delving into these deeper cuts and experiencing his music in new ways, fans can deepen their appreciation for one of blues' greatest icons.
Hooker's rejection of material wealth is a far cry from today's rap scene where artists flaunt their money like it's going out of style.
6. I Don’t Want Your Money
This track, one of John Lee Hooker's most iconic songs, is a statement about the singer's pride and independence. Hooker repeats the titular line throughout the song, expressing a sentiment that resonates in any era: one doesn't need money to be happy or contented. The bluesy guitar rhythms and the singer's smooth delivery make this an unforgettable tune.
In 'I Don’t Want Your Money', Hooker reinterprets the common love-song trope of offering wealth or material possessions to win someone over. In contrast, he emphasizes self-respect and dignity over monetary gain. This displays his reputation as an artist who challenged conventions while simultaneously staying true to fundamental aspects of human values.
The song continues to influence music production in multiple genres with various musicians each releasing their covers and remixes of this legendary track.
John Lee Hooker recorded 'I Don’t Want Your Money' in 1966 under Vee-Jay Records,and was listed under "It Serve You Right To Suffer" album collection.
If you're looking for a song to slither to, 'Crawling King Snake' is the perfect track to satisfy your reptilian desires.
7. Crawling King Snake
This timeless classic by John Lee Hooker, featuring his signature growling vocals and a mesmerizing guitar riff, is a sultry tribute to the dangerous beauty of the titular snake. The slow, slinking rhythm evokes the image of a serpent crawling through the grass on a hot summer night, while Hooker's lyrics mix lustful desire with a hint of warning. This enduring track has been covered by countless artists and remains an essential part of Hooker's extensive discography.
"Crawling King Snake" was originally released in 1949 as a single for Modern Records. The song is believed to have been inspired by traditional blues songs like "Black Snake Moan," but Hooker gave it his own unique twist by adding his trademark foot-stomping beat and raw vocal style. The song's title also resonates deeply with African-American folklore, where snakes often symbolize both danger and power.
Hooker's influence can be heard in the work of many later blues and rock musicians, including Eric Clapton, Jimi Hendrix, and ZZ Top. The ease with which he blended different styles – from Delta blues to boogie-woogie – made him one of the most respected and versatile artists of his time. "Crawling King Snake" remains a testament to his immense talent and legacy in music history.
Source: Rolling Stone Magazine.
"Boogie Chillen'" will have you tapping your foot and wondering if John Lee Hooker sold his soul to the devil for this irresistible groove.
8. Boogie Chillen’
John Lee Hooker's acclaimed and timeless hit, known as the eighth song on our list of the '10 Best John Lee Hooker Songs of All Time', is a classic blues tune titled 'Boogie Chillen'. The track was released in 1948 and defines the boogie-woogie blues style.
With its fierce guitar riffs and pounding beats, 'Boogie Chillen' became one of John Lee Hooker's signature tunes. Its raw energy and intrinsic simplicity make it a must-listen for blues enthusiasts.
The song begins with an iconic introduction featuring Hooker's solo guitar riff. The riff creates a catchy melody that persists throughout the song. His gravelly voice ushers in poetic lyrics about visiting his half-brother's house and attending a party where he feels compelled to dance. The instrumental section of the song spills out to create intense improvisation over the familiar bass line, setting a high-energy atmosphere that keeps the listener engaged until the end.
John Lee Hooker's self-identification as a "modern-day griot," or storyteller, emerges through his music in songs like 'Boogie Chillen', influencing generations of musicians thereafter. This legendary track has inspired several other renditions, including one by Eric Clapton and Stevie Ray Vaughan.
Don't miss out on listening to this masterpiece; you'll be missing out on experiencing one of blues history's greatest hits!
Listening to John Lee Hooker's 'I'm In The Mood' is like being seduced by a bluesy serpent, and I'm not complaining one bit.
9. I’m In The Mood
Expressing his seductive desires, one of John Lee Hooker's most popular songs is about being aroused and looking for love. This track is none other than '9. In The Mood,' which will surely set the mood.
- Hooker's sultry vocals and enticing rhythm keep listeners engaged from start to finish.
- The song features infectious guitar riffs that evoke feelings of longing and passion.
- 'In The Mood' exhibits a fusion of blues, jazz, and R&B genres that compliment Hooker's unique style.
To add, this classic love ballad showcases Hooker's versatility as an artist with a romantic notion towards music that speaks volumes.
Did you know that 'In The Mood' has been covered by countless artists such as Bonnie Raitt, Buddy Guy, and Joe Bonamassa?
Boom Boom goes the blues dynamite, exploding with John Lee Hooker's raw vocals and electrifying guitar riffs.
10. Boom Boom
With its strong bass line and soulful lyrics, this John Lee Hooker classic is a timeless hit that still resonates with audiences today. Its bluesy sound and catchy chorus make it an essential addition to any playlist of the best blues songs of all time. The track's atmospheric guitar riff and driving beat capture the essence of Hooker's unique style and energy, cementing it as one of his most iconic works.
Expanding on its theme of desire and longing, 'Boom Boom' showcases Hooker's powerful vocals in a way that is both raw and emotional. The song's infectious groove invites listeners to move along with its rhythm while simultaneously experiencing its melancholic undertones. It's no surprise that 'Boom Boom' has topped many blues charts throughout the years and remains a beloved classic to this day.
Interestingly, despite its popularity, 'Boom Boom' was not originally intended as a single release. Instead, it was included as just one of thirteen tracks on Hooker's 1962 album 'Burnin'' which went on to become one of his most successful albums ever. However, after receiving significant airplay on local radio stations in Detroit and San Francisco, the song quickly gained traction among listeners and eventually skyrocketed up the charts.
As we look back over John Lee Hooker's storied career, it's clear that 'Boom Boom' will always hold a special place in the hearts of fans worldwide. With its infectious melody and heartfelt lyrics, it is truly one of the best blues songs of all time.
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.
