John Lee Hooker

John Lee Hooker (1917–2001), American blues guitarist, singer, and songwriter, who was known for his throaty growl and one-chord boogie guitar playing. Hooker’s distinctive style influenced scores of blues and rock musicians.

Hooker was born in Clarksdale, Mississippi. He learned from the folk-blues players of the Mississippi Delta before moving north and taking up a more urban, electric style; however, he never entirely abandoned the acoustic guitar. Hooker’s first recording, “Boogie Chillen” (1948), was a hit, and his percussive guitar style made him popular with rock audiences starting in the 1950s. Other hits included “Crawlin’ King Snake” (1949), “I’m in the Mood” (1951), and “Boom Boom” (1962).

In the 1960s Hooker was credited with bringing a wider audience to the blues with projects such as the album Hooker ’n’ Heat (1970), a collaboration with the rock group Canned Heat. After years of semi-obscurity, he returned to popularity with the 1989 album The Healer, which featured guest appearances by rock stars such as Carlos Santana and Bonnie Raitt and earned Hooker his first Grammy Award. A series of similar albums followed in the 1990s. Hooker was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1991.