Member-only story

Earl Hooker: The Blues Master of American Made Music

Matt Reed

·7.5k Followers· Follow

Published in Earl Hooker Blues Master (American Made Music Series)

4 min read · 1 week before

804 View Claps

86 Respond

Save

Listen

Earl Hooker was an American blues guitarist, singer, and songwriter who is considered one of the most influential guitarists in the genre. He played a major role in the development of the Chicago blues sound and is known for his distinctive playing style, which was characterized by his use of slide guitar and his soulful vocals.

Earl Hooker, Blues Master (American Made Music Series)

by Sebastian Danchin

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3972 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	389 pages

Hooker was born in Clarksdale, Mississippi, in 1930. He began playing guitar at an early age and was influenced by the music of Muddy Waters, Howlin' Wolf, and Elmore James. In the early 1950s, Hooker moved to Chicago, where he quickly became a fixture on the city's blues scene. He played with many of the great blues musicians of the era, including Muddy Waters, Willie Dixon, and Otis Rush.

In 1965, Hooker released his debut album, "The Hooker Blues." The album was a critical and commercial success and helped to establish Hooker as one of the leading blues guitarists of his generation. Hooker continued to record and perform throughout the 1960s and 1970s, and he released several more critically acclaimed albums, including "Two Bugs and a Roach" (1969) and "Hooker 'n' Heat" (1978).

Hooker's playing style was unique and distinctive. He was known for his use of slide guitar, which he played with a raw and emotional intensity. He also had a strong vocal style, which was full of soul and passion.

Hooker was a major influence on many of the great blues guitarists of his generation, including Buddy Guy, Eric Clapton, and Jimmy Page. He was also a respected songwriter, and his songs have been recorded by many of the biggest names in blues music.

Hooker died in 1970 at the age of 40. He was a brilliant guitarist and singer who made a significant contribution to the blues genre. He is remembered as one of the most influential blues musicians of all time.

Legacy

Earl Hooker's legacy continues to inspire blues musicians to this day. His distinctive playing style and soulful vocals have left a lasting mark on the genre. He is remembered as one of the most influential blues guitarists of all time and his music continues to be enjoyed by fans around the world.

Discography

* The Hooker Blues (1965) * Two Bugs and a Roach (1969) * Hooker 'n' Heat (1978) * The Legendary Earl Hooker: Live at Theresa's Lounge (1994) * The Complete Earl Hooker (2003)