From: "jean.marc.pezet Date: Thu Aug 22, 2002 3:09 am Subject: Born To Be With You: John Lee Hooker JOHN LEE HOOKER (By Phil Davies) Born 22 August 22 1917, near Clarksdale, Mississippi Died 21 June 21 2001, Los Altos, California One of the great survivors of the blues scene, cut seminal sides in the late 40s, 50s and early 60s. Became a multi million selling artist in his late 70s. Blues icon with a definitive hypnotic and unique non rhyming boogie style, purveyor of the hypnotic beat that greatly influenced 60s rock music. A real magpie incorporating other artists styles and songs into his own. Toured Europe in early 60s and reached UK top 30 with Dimples and Boom Boom, the latter also being his only US pop hit (# 60, 1962). His biggest R&B hits were Boogie Chillen (# 1, 1949) and I'm In The Mood (# 1, 1951). The prototype identikit for the Blues Brothers (who gave him a much needed cameo boost in the now classic movie). Even inspired the 70s Dr Feelgood to write Milk and Alcohol. His definitive work for SAO fans probably covers the multitude of sides he cut for many large and small indies between 1948 in Detroit and 1964. His rock star studded million selling albums for Virgin in the late 80s and 90s brought him into the mainstream (world tours, pop charts, ads, videos, movies, colour supplements etc), thoroughly deserved success, I wish the rest of our heroes could taste the same. The old rascal died at home in California June 21st 2001. Huge star studded funeral, major news coverage and fine obituaries in the press. Excellent BBC documentary recorded prior to his death (also earlier live show with rock stars from his Virgin albums, Johnnie Johnson on piano) His complex history has been recounted in book form (albeit in a convoluted style)by UK music journalist Charles Shaar Murray of the NME. His complex recording history and biog is well covered in the following highly recommended web site, some good links to other R & B sites too Recommended listening/reading: Web site JLH - World`s Greatest Blues Singer http://w1.191.telia.com/~u19104970/johnnielee.html#johnlee Reading Boogie Man - Charles Shaar Murray (UK Viking 1999) Listening (check out the web site for the many reissues) Ace - JLH Presents His House Rent Boogie ( Modern label) Chess/MCA - Complete 50s Chess Recordings 2cd Charly - many Vee Jay comps inc 3cd set Testament 6cd set Vee Jay Years 1955-64 many other labels, Krazy Kat, Flyright etc etc Virgin - The Healer, Boom Boom (the million selling albums)