Overview

The remarkable, powerful story of the son of blues legend John Lee Hooker Born in Detroit and exposed to the music world from an early age, John Lee Hooker Jr. began singing as a featured attraction in his father’s shows as a teenager. His father was a sharecropper’s son who became known for hit songs like “Boogie Chillin,” “I’m in the Mood,” and “Boom Boom,” and in 1972, he and his father performed live and recorded an album in Soledad Prison. Junior seemed to have a golden ticket to a successful music career as a child, but trouble brewed as his father’s marriage was in trouble and ripped apart the family. Drug addiction and a series of related crimes, including as a con player, landed Junior in and out of jails & prisons for several decades. An early brush with the law led to a sentence at Synanon, the infamous drug rehabilitation program turned religious cult. Later arrests resulted in time served in prisons including at Soledad, San Quentin, and Avenal. Shot, stabbed, and convicted multiple times, Junior was at his lowest point doing time at a Santa Rita jail, but it was at that moment that he found the Lord. He emerged clean and sober and began a successful career as a blues singer, earning two Grammy nominations as well as the Bobby “Blue” Bland Lifetime Achievement Award. He eventually devoted himself fully to his faith. Now an ordained minister, Reverend John Lee Hooker Jr. testifies, preaches, and performs gospel music in prisons.

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9781538186237

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John Lee was unique. No one sounded like him. No one has ever tried. He was rhythm all in one chord, no fancy stuff. No fooling! His voice could frighten a ghost and what he said was not dinner conversation. ""Crawlin' Kingsnake"", ""Boom Boom"", and ""Boogie Chillun"" aren't someone looking for a chart topper. But they did! Unique, because there is nothing like him. He doesn't fit into the neat little boxes musicians are often forced into. It feels as if you are being put in touch with music before recording, before technology demanded a format. He stands alone. If you got the chance to play with him, you realized there was no compromise. You played with him he didn't play with you. I was privileged to be there. I'm so happy to know that John Lee Hooker Jr. is following proudly in the preeminent footsteps of his amazing father!

"I've known Junior Hooker since the mid-70s and have witnessed his ups and downs while experiencing my own. Today we're both clean, sober new men! I know everyone will find inspiration in this deep and heartfelt story. --Charlie Musselwhite, Grammy Award-winning blues harmonica legend John Lee was unique. No one sounded like him. No one has ever tried. He was rhythm all in one chord, no fancy stuff. No fooling! His voice could frighten a ghost and what he said was not dinner conversation. ""Crawlin' Kingsnake"", ""Boom Boom"", and ""Boogie Chillun"" aren't someone looking for a chart topper. But they did! Unique, because there is nothing like him. He doesn't fit into the neat little boxes musicians are often forced into. It feels as if you are being put in touch with music before recording, before technology demanded a format. He stands alone. If you got the chance to play with him, you realized there was no compromise. You played with him--he didn't play with you. I was privileged to be there. I'm so happy to know that John Lee Hooker Jr. is following proudly in the preeminent footsteps of his amazing father! --Keith Richards John Lee Hooker Jr.'s deliverance from darkness to abundant light is a mighty testament to the power of prayer. He is a blessing to me and an inspiration to all in his presence! --Larry D. Batiste, producer, arranger, songwriter This is the triumphant testimony of a man who was lost and, against all odds, became a true winner during his long and winding road through life. --Taj Mahal, Grammy Award winning blues & rock artist"

Author Information

Reverend John Lee Hooker Jr., born in Detroit, Michigan, is the son of the blues legend John Lee Hooker and, as a teenager, toured with his dad as the featured attraction. He had a successful career as a blues artist, receiving two Grammy nominations and the Bobby “Blue” Bland Lifetime Achievement Award. Now an ordained minister, he performs contemporary soul gospel in and outside of prisons. Visit johnleehookerjr.com. Julia Simon is a Professor at the University of California, Davis and author of Debt and Redemption in the Blues: The Call for Justice, The Inconvenient Lonnie Johnson: Blues, Race, Identity, and Time in the Blues.

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