by André Depienne

John Lee Hooker war born and raised in Clarksdale, Mississippi. He escaped from home as a teenager and went to Memphis, where he earned his first money by playing in the streets and in bars. In 1943 he travelled to Detroit. The same year he recorded his first song “Boogie Chillen”, and reached the top of the R&B charts. But he did not become a su- perstar yet. In the 60ties and 70ties some band members of groups like the Rolling Stones, Animals, Yardbirds, Canned Heat or Steve Miller Band discovered the sound of John Lee Hooker. That’s how John got invited to work with his prominent fans. He also worked with the Blues-Rock group “Canned Heat” and re- corded the super album “Hooker’N’Heat” in 71. In the 80ties John appeared a few times as special guest on the screen, like in the 1980 movie the “Blues Brothers”. Five years later his music appeared in the movie “The Colour Purple”. But was not before 1989 where John Lee Hooker got known to a bigger and younger public due to his album “The Healer”. Special guests on this album were artists like Bonnie Raitt, Keith Richards or Los Lobos. Later on albums like “Mr. Lucky”, „Boom Boom“and “Chill Out” have been released. John got elec- ted in 1980 to „Blues Hall of Fame“ and 1991 into the „Rock and Roll Hall of Fame”. He also received his star on the „Hollywood Walk of Fame“, and was rewarded 4 Grammys, one for his life time achievement in the year 2000. On June 21, 2001 the Blues Legend “John Lee Hooker” died at the age of 83.