JOHN LEE HOOKER
Fifteen years ago, Van Morrison, already a long-time friend, suggested producing a record for Hooker. Several years later, George Thorogood and Carlos Santana asked to be part of whatever project John Lee might next embark upon. The fruits of these seeds of inspiration resulted in 1989's The Healer. John Lee was captured performing duets with his friends and performing in solo and small ensemble formats. The concept, and the great response it received, appealed to even more friends and in the ensuing years a variety of artists who shared a deep mutual admiration for John Lee lined up to join the fun.
Carlos Santana is featured on two songs co-written with Hooker, "The Healer" and "Chill Out (Things Gonna Change)," each title tracks of Grammy winning albums. Carlos' association started with his showing up at Hooker's Bay Area shows, first as a fan and then regularly as an onstage guest.
I'm In The Mood," Hooker's duet with long-time friend Bonnie Raitt, earned first-time Grammy Awards for both friends in 1989 in the Best Traditional Blues Recording category. Hooker's only other vocal duet partner in his past decade of hits was Van Morrison. Their duet on the title track to Don't Look Back, most of which was produced by Morrison, brought them a shared Grammy for Best Pop Collaboration with Vocals. That track also features the legendary Charles Brown on keyboards. The album itself won Hooker his fourth Grammy, for Best Traditional Blues Recording. Morrison is also captured here on Hooker's classic "I Cover The Waterfront," backed on Hammond B3 by the master of the instrument, Booker T. Jones.
|
