John Lee Hooker

Born: August 22, 1919 Clarksdale, MS, USA

John Lee Hooker was born near the crossroads in Clarksdale, Mississippi. He was the son of a Baptist Minister and sharecropper, and he had 10 brothers and sisters. His strict father discouraged his musical ability, but his stepfather eventually taught him how to play the guitar. He began playing local barbecues, parties, and gatherings of all kinds, and in time he hit the road and took his music to the public. He went to Memphis, and then on to Cincinnati and other Northern cities like Detroit and Pittsburgh. He worked odd jobs to get by, and played the clubs at night. It was Detroit where he was discovered, and he recorded his first single in 1948. He went on to record over 100 albums, as well as playing bit parts in movies. He lived a long and successful life, despite being ripped off by managers and record producers, as well as other artists. He was rewarded with a Grammy, as well as a permanent place in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. His influence is extremely far reaching, and he impacted rock with the force to change it forever. He recently passed away in his home with friends and family present, but his presence is still felt.

Instruments Played / Skills: Guitar Songwriter Vocals Genres: Blues

John Lee Hooker Has Worked With: Eddie Burns Roy Rogers Bruce Gary Victor Bisetti

Artists That Were Influenced By John Lee Hooker: R.L. Burnside John Campbell Chick Churchill CeDell Davis Maxwell Street Jimmy Davis Jimmy Dawkins Colin James Eddie Kirkland Alvin Lee Ric Lee Mississippi Fred McDowell Bonnie Raitt Otis Rush Harmonica Slim George Thorogood Pete Townshend Robert Ward