John Lee Hooker – Boogie Chillen with Roy Rogers in concert 1992 Berkely.

John Lee Hooker was born in 1917. The genius of the boogie, the big star of blues music. His expressive style since his debut album in 1959, has gained a great bunch of admirers.

He played different variations of the blues, his works are many fascinating musical journeys. A few songs ended up with commercial chart success, including “Boom, Boom” or “Chill Out”.

John Lee Hooker

John Lee Hooker was a notable American blues singer, guitarist and songwriter. His fame rose when he performed electric guitar adaptations of Delta Blues. He also has this inclination to insert early North Mississippi Hill country blues and talking blues into his music with a genius twist.

He is often compared in greatness to B. B. King, who was also born in Mississippi, just like Hooker. King’s contribution to Delta blues was a comprehensive guitar technique that harmonized blues with components of jazz, rhythm and blues and other popular music genres.

But John Lee Hooker created a style of his own, in contrast, by retaining a pure and traditional approach of the Delta blues. In the postwar, he achieved more success, doing a crossover, using vocals with solo guitar. This was the style of earlier Delta players which he adopted, used to the hilt in his hit record, Boogie Chillen, in 1948.

The later releases of John Lee like I’m in the Mood (1951), Boom Boom (1962) and The Healer (1989), incorporated soul and rock music.

When Hooker was starting out in his musical career, he performed and recorded with rock musicians. One of his earliest partnerships was with The Groundhogs, a British blues rock band.

In 1970, he played adaptations of his songs with the group Canned Heat, an American blues and boogie rock band. The result was the joint album Hooker ‘n Heat.

At his best, only with his electric guitar strapped on him, Hooker describes his musical style:

The display of aggressive energy in fast boogies and also an ample show of intensity for stark and slow blues. A back to the basics guitarist – playing simple harmonies, pentatonic scales and also one chord modal harmonic structures.

John Lee Hooker toured expansively beginning the 1950s and he also made appearances in movies like The Blues Brothers (1980) and The Color Purple (1985). He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1991 and had a huge influence on bands such as The Animals and The Rolling Stones.

John Lee Hooker recorded more than 100 albums. Among them was The Healer (1989) which had appearances by Carlos Santana and Bonnie Raitt. Other notable albums are The Best of Friends (1998) and Grammar Award winner Don’t Look Back (1997).

John Lee Hooker

He was beloved worldwide as the king of the endless boogie. Hooker is a genuine blues superstar whose droning, hypnotic one-chord grooves were at once both ultra primitive and timeless.

John recorded in a great many more styles than that over a career that stretched across more than half a century. Those who’d learned from him and appreciated his music’s basic truths joined him with love and sensitivity on his last, best-selling records.

The earliest musical influence on John Lee was his stepfather William Moore. He was a blues musician who taught Hooker to play the guitar. It was to him later that John attributed his unique style of playing the instrument.
In the early 1940s, Hooker moved from Mississippi to Detroit. He worked as a watchman at car factories by day. Like many other Delta visitors, at night, he entertained friends and neighbors by playing and singing at home parties. Thanks to these concerts, “The Hook” gained fans all over the city.

The career that had begun at Detroit house rent parties ended fifty years later with platinum records and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Unlike so many bluesmen of old, John Lee Hooker died with wealth and acclaim in equal measure.

During the late seventies and eighties, John Lee toured the United States and Europe regularly. His appearance in the cult movie “Blues Brothers” once again took his charts, and at the age of 72, John Lee Hooker released the biggest album of his career, “The Healer”. He picked up the Grammy for it in 1989 and has sold over a million copies.

When John Lee Hooker entered the age of 70, he was suddenly at the most successful stage in his career – rediscovered and full of energy as always, touring and recording until his death in 2001.

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John Lee Hooker and Carlos Santana – Chill Out

Two Legends, One Unforgettable Sound: Unraveling the Magic of John Lee Hooker and Carlos Santana’s “Chill Out”

When the worlds of blues and rock collide, magic happens. And when two of the most iconic musicians of our time – John Lee Hooker and Carlos Santana – come together, that magic takes on a life of its own. Today, we dive deep into the extraordinary collaboration between these two virtuosos, perfectly exemplified by the soulful rendition of “Chill Out.”

John Lee Hooker, the “King of the Boogie,” was a profound influence on the blues genre. Known for his distinctive vocal and rhythmic guitar playing, Hooker’s music exuded raw emotion and an undeniable authenticity that continues to resonate with audiences even today.

Carlos Santana, on the other hand, is a titan of rock and Latin American music. His blend of rock, salsa, and jazz fusion has produced some of the most recognized sounds in the history of music. Santana’s soulful guitar melodies and the unique tonality he brings to the table have made him a beloved figure worldwide.

Their collaboration on the song “Chill Out” is nothing short of extraordinary. The track, an undeniable blues classic, is a testament to the musicianship and creativity of both artists. The song is a vibrant tapestry of bluesy rhythms, haunting vocals, and fiery guitar solos – a mesmerizing fusion of the gritty, raw emotion of blues with the energetic pulse of rock.

From the opening notes, it’s clear that “Chill Out” is a musical journey. The song begins with a characteristic blues guitar line from Hooker, setting a somber and soulful mood. It’s not long before Santana joins in with his guitar, his notes dancing around Hooker’s with a Latin-infused rhythm that adds an intoxicating energy to the track.

Hooker’s deep, resonant voice is spellbinding. His soulful rendition of the lyrics, filled with timeless wisdom and streetwise allure, delivers a punch of raw, unadulterated blues. Santana complements this perfectly, his guitar responding to Hooker’s voice, sometimes mirroring it, sometimes challenging it, but always in a harmony that highlights the unique strengths of both artists.

The highlight of “Chill Out” is undoubtedly the guitar solos. Both Santana and Hooker get a chance to shine here. Hooker’s solo is filled with raw emotion, his guitar crying out in a primal blues language that needs no translation. Santana, with his fiery Latin-rock style, takes the energy to new heights, his guitar wailing and crying with a passion that is unmistakably Santana.

This collaboration between Hooker and Santana in “Chill Out” is a stunning reminder of the power of music to bridge genres and generations. It’s a rare treat to hear two masters of their respective crafts come together to create something truly special. “Chill Out” is not just a song; it’s an experience, a journey into the heart and soul of blues and rock, guided by two of the most iconic musicians of our time. As we listen to this track, we’re reminded of the timeless beauty of music, the universal language that brings us all together.

So here’s to John Lee Hooker and Carlos Santana – for the magic they’ve created, for the inspiration they’ve provided, and for the musical journey they’ve invited us all to join. “Chill Out,” indeed.

Video source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HSbBSphYeZo

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Hooker was born in 1917. Genius boogie, the big star of blues music. His distinctive style since his debut album in 1959 has earned him a great circle of fans.
He played different varieties of blues, his work is a fascinating musical journey. Several songs have been commercially successful on the charts, among others. “Boom, Boom” or “Chill Out”.

In the 1960s Hooker became one of the idols of British youth and musicians like The Animals, The Yardbirds, and John Mayall. England was having a great blues boom, Muddy Waters came, Big Bill Broonzy arrived, Howlin ‘Wolf, John Lee Hooker arrived. Eric Burdon recorded his hit version of “Boom Boom” in 1964, presenting the work of American guitarist to a broad British audience.

Blues Brothers

During the late seventies and eighties, John Lee toured the United States and Europe regularly. His appearance in the iconic movie “Blues Brothers” once again raised his ratings, and at the age of 72, John Lee Hooker released the biggest album of his career, “The Healer”. He picked up the Grammy for it in 1989 and has sold over a million copies.

During these years he released several studio albums, including “Mr. Lucky ”,“ Boom Boom ”,“ Chill Out ”(Grammy again),“ Don’t Look Back ”(two Grammy Awards). Throughout the decade of the 90s, Hooker’s great achievements and contribution to music were appreciated not only by all generations of listeners. He became the face of pop culture, in 1991 John Lee was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, and in 1997 he received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

When John Lee Hooker entered the age of 70, he was suddenly at the most successful stage in his career – rediscovered and full of energy as always, touring and recording until his death in 2001.

Top Albums by John Lee Hooker : https://amzn.to/1WII3F6

Boom, boom, boom, boom
I’m gonna shoot you right down
Right off your feet
Take you home with me
Put you in my house

John Lee Hooker and Ry Cooder playing blues together in shoreline Amphitheatre 10/10/1992. Ry Cooder slide guitar incredibly fits with John Lee singing and playing.

John Lee Hooker

Hooker was a notable American blues singer, guitarist and songwriter. His fame rose when he performed electric guitar adaptations of Delta Blues. He also has this inclination to insert early North Mississippi Hill country blues and talking blues into his music with a genius twist.

He is often compared in greatness to B. B. King, who was also born in Mississippi, just like John Lee. King’s contribution to Delta blues was a comprehensive guitar technique that harmonized blues with components of jazz, rhythm and blues and other popular music genres.

But John Lee Hooker created a style of his own, in contrast, by retaining a pure and traditional approach of the Delta blues. In the postwar, he achieved more success, doing a crossover, using vocals with solo guitar. This was the style of earlier Delta players that he adopted, used to the hilt in his hit record, Boogie Chillen, in 1948.

The later releases of John Lee Hooker like I’m in the Mood (1951), Boom Boom (1962) and The Healer (1989), incorporated soul and rock music.

When John Lee Hooker was starting out in his musical career, he performed and recorded with rock musicians. One of his earliest partnerships was with The Groundhogs, a British blues-rock band.

In 1970, he played adaptations of his songs with the group Canned Heat, an American blues and boogie rock band. The result was the joint album Hooker ‘n Heat.

At his best, only with his electric guitar strapped on him, Hooker describes his musical style:

The display of aggressive energy in fast boogies and also an ample show of intensity for stark and slow blues. A back to the basics guitarist – playing simple harmonies, pentatonic scales and also one-chord modal harmonic structures.

John Lee Hooker toured expansively beginning the 1950s and he also made appearances in movies like The Blues Brothers (1980) and The Color Purple (1985). He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1991 and had a huge influence on bands such as The Animals and The Rolling Stones.

John Lee Hooker recorded more than 100 albums. Among them was The Healer (1989) which had appearances by Carlos Santana and Bonnie Raitt. Other notable albums are The Best of Friends (1998) and Grammar Award winner Don’t Look Back (1997).

Two of his songs, “Boogie Chillen” and “Boom Boom”, are included in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’s list of the 500 Songs That Shaped Rock and Roll. “Boogie Chillen” is also included in the Recording Industry Association of America’s list of the “Songs of the Century”.

In 2007, John Lee Hooker was voted into the Michigan Rock and Roll Legends Hall of Fame.

Ryland Peter “Ry” Cooder

(born March 15, 1947) is an American musician. He is known for his slide guitar work, his interest in roots music from the United States, and, more recently, his collaborations with traditional musicians from many countries.

His solo work has been eclectic, encompassing folk, blues, Tex-Mex, soul, gospel, rock, and much else. He has collaborated with many musicians, notably including Captain Beefheart, Ali Farka Touré, Eric Clapton, The Rolling Stones, Van Morrison, Neil Young, Randy Newman, David Lindley, The Chieftains, and The Doobie Brothers. He briefly formed a band named Little Village.