The master bluesman, John Lee Hooker, died today at age 83. For those who think you don’t know his music, you actually do. His style and emotion has been the influence for everyone from the Rolling Stones to Bonnie Raitt, George Thorogood and Bruce Springsteen. He was the street bluesman in front of the Soul Food shop where Aretha Franklin sang “You Better Think” in the movie the Blues Brothers. His song “Tupelo” is my favorite blues song, simple as it is. He produced albums over 70 years, and was widely regarded as the best in his genre.
I tip my hat, and bow my head. Another genius has left this earth.
Bill, that is the worst news I’ve heard since I was laid off. John Lee Hooker was my favorite bluesman, a standout in a crowd of greats. He will be missed, and I will drink one bourbon, one scotch, and one beer in his honor.
At least he didn’t die in poverty and obscurity, like many others like him have. His success never diluted the soul of his work though. Slip on out the back door, John.
You had a profound influence in my life. Your music would either make me happy or help me get through a rough time in my life.
Thanks for indulging a 19 year old brand spanking new DJ with an interview in 1980. The autograph you gave me that night on the Never Get Out Of These Blues Alive albumn is one of my most treasured possessions.
May your guitar strings never break, may there never be an empty seat at a gig, may all your cars perpetually keep that brand new smell, may you always be able to get one bourbon one scotch and one beer on demand, and may you continue to have an unbroken string of 19 year old groupies lined up to sit on your lap for eternity.