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John Lee HookerMusician
Date of Birth: 22.08.1917
Country:  USA |
Content:
Biography of John Lee Hooker
John Lee Hooker was an American blues singer and guitarist. Born in 1917 in Clarksdale, Mississippi, he grew up in the heart of the delta blues, a genre he would become synonymous with. From a young age, blues became his lifeblood. His stepfather, who was friends with legendary pre-war blues patriarchs such as Blind Lemon Jefferson, bought him his first guitar.
Early Career
Hooker began performing professionally before World War II, but it wasn't until 1948, when he moved to Detroit, that he gained recognition. With the help of entrepreneur Bernie Besman, Hooker recorded two songs, "Sally Mae" and "Boogie Chillen," which would become famous. It was during this time that his unique style developed, with his growling vocals and monotonous electric guitar chords. For the next decade or more, he recorded and performed under various pseudonyms such as Delta John, Birmingham Sam, Johnny Williams, John Lee Booker, and Boogie Man. His first album under his own name was released in 1955.
Rise to Fame
The early 1960s saw the emergence of his hit song "Boom Boom" and a huge interest in blues from young white musicians. Hooker became a revered figure among rockers, with bands like The Animals and The Yardbirds idolizing him. Eric Burdon was the first to cover "Boom Boom." Hooker collaborated with many early rock musicians, but his most significant recording was a double album with the American-Canadian band "Canned Heat" in 1970.
Mr. Blues
Hooker embraced the rock world and was known as Mr. Blues among rock musicians. He was open to collaboration, not believing that "white boys couldn't play the blues," and he was not a musical racist. In the 1970s, he frequently performed in European universities with just his guitar. However, by then, only devoted blues fans remembered him. In 1980, he appeared in the cult film "The Blues Brothers," but the general public saw him as a monument to himself.
Late Career and Legacy
Hooker became a "playing coach" in his later years, choosing a collaborative approach. His album "The Healer" featured collaborations with Los Lobos, Albert Collins, Van Morrison, Keith Richards, and Carlos Santana. All his subsequent albums followed the same pattern. None of his later records went unnoticed, as the power of every chord and every note he sang was immense.
On the morning of June 21st, John Lee Hooker passed away peacefully in his sleep. Some say that the Lord grants such a death to the very best.
