John Lee Hooker

John Lee Hooker Artistfacts

  • Aug. 22, 1917-June 21, 2001
  • A famous blues guitarist born in Clarksdale, Mississippi, Hooker started recording in 1948 under numerous names. He is one of the most recorded musicians in history, and has worked with many different record labels.
  • He died on the same day as actor Carroll O'Connor, the actor who played Archie Bunker. Coincidentally, their stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame are right next to each other.
  • His father was a preacher who believed that the blues was the "devil's music."
  • He was taught guitar by his stepfather, Will Moore.
  • His first instrument was a tire tube nailed to a barn door.
  • Some of the aliases he recorded as in his early days: John Lee Booker, Texas Slim, Delta John, Birmingham Sam, Johnny Williams, and His Magic Guitar. He also many nicknames over the years, including the Boogie Man, the Hook, the King of the Boogie, and the Crawlin' Kingsnake.
  • T-Bone Walker gave Hooker his first electric guitar.
  • Hooker continued playing live up until his death.
  • He composed songs for movies like G.I. Jane and City of Angels. His only actual appearance in a movie was in The Blues Brothers.
  • He is in the Blues Hall Of Fame and the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame. >>
    Suggestion credit:
    Bertrand - Paris, France

Comments: 3

  • Hendrixlover from Does It Matter?, Caim surprised at how little people have heard about john lee hooker. hes awesome!
  • Chad from Reading, PaI can't beleive more people don't listen to this guy. He was so much better than any Blues artist ever. B. B. King sucks next to him.
  • Don from Pittsburgh, PaSimply the best blues voice ever!!!! Listen to the album "The Healer. Especially, on a rainy Sunday morning with your wife/girlfriend in your arms. If that doesn't get you in the "mood for Love" you better check and see if you still got a pulse.
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