Introduction:
Welcome to the captivating world of John Lee Hooker, a legendary figure whose bluesy tunes have left an indelible mark on the music scene. With his distinctively raw and emotive style, Hooker’s music resonates with audiences across generations, weaving tales of life, love, and hardship through the soulful strains of his guitar. As one of the most influential blues musicians of all time, John Lee Hooker’s legacy extends far beyond his prolific discography; his profound insights and poetic lyrics continue to inspire artists and enthusiasts alike, shaping the landscape of blues and rock music for decades to come.
In this collection, we delve into the profound wisdom and lyrical prowess of John Lee Hooker through a curated selection of his most memorable quotes. From reflections on the human condition to musings on the power of music, Hooker’s words offer a glimpse into the depths of his soul and the essence of his artistry. Whether you’re a devoted fan seeking inspiration or a newcomer eager to explore the essence of blues culture, these quotes serve as a poignant reminder of John Lee Hooker’s enduring impact on the world of music and beyond. Discover the essence of his wisdom, and let his timeless words resonate within your heart and mind.
They wasn’t gonna give you nothin’. I didn’t care as long as they let me play my music. Cash on the spot… You cheat me and I’m gonna get me some money, too. John Lee Hooker
You can go to Europe, and there’s no turnin’ back – any parts of Europe. Wherever you are, there is no stop and go for the blues. The blues go but it don’t stop. John Lee Hooker
The way Will Moore taught me, and the way I play it, the blues is just something different. John Lee Hooker
I want to play music when I want, write a song if I want or watch a baseball game if I want. John Lee Hooker
All my life I been doin’ what people tell me to do. Now, I’m telling them. John Lee Hooker
The blues tells a story. Every line of the blues has a meaning. John Lee Hooker
I don’t think about time. You’re here when you’re here. I think about today, staying in tune. John Lee Hooker
But I don’t want to do no big tours or go out on the road. John Lee Hooker
Like you and your woman ain’t gettin’ along and you’re in love. You can’t sleep at nights. Your mind is on her – on whatever. You know, that’s the blues. You can’t hug that money at night. You can’t kiss it. John Lee Hooker
Since you knew they was goin’ to cheat you anyway, I recorded under any name with all of ’em. John Lee Hooker
In my career, people in the record business have been rockin’ in the same ol’ boat. They all crooks – I’ll say it clear and loud – especially the big ones. John Lee Hooker
I remember back in Detroit, I used to go to the Apex Bar every night after I got off work. The bartender there used to call me Boom Boom. I don’t know why, but he did. John Lee Hooker
I’ve got enough money to live me two lifetimes so I don’t have to do nothing I don’t want to. John Lee Hooker
Groups are corporations now. They have pension plans. Musicians have saw the daylight. John Lee Hooker
I don’t play a lot of fancy guitar. I don’t want to play it. The kind of guitar I want to play is mean, mean licks. John Lee Hooker
I am a happy man. I’ve had a good life. John Lee Hooker
I hitchhiked, took trucks ‘n’ trains – anything that would pick me up. I stopped in Memphis for about six months and they found me and come got me. Stayed about a month an’ split again. John Lee Hooker
If they played more blues, people would just get it – they try to hold it back but just about can’t hold it back now because the blues is really going. John Lee Hooker
My style is all to myself. John Lee Hooker
It don’t take me no three days to record no album. John Lee Hooker
I do benefits. I do them all the time. There’s so many people out there that needs help that I can’t say I won’t help them. John Lee Hooker
I like dropping into a small club and playing with some people, trying to help them get a start. John Lee Hooker
The one thing the blues don’t get is the backing and pushing of TV and radio like a lot of this garbage you hears. They choke stuff down people’s throat so they got no choice but to listen to it. John Lee Hooker
I just get an idea and then all of a sudden I’ve got a song. John Lee Hooker
I went on to Cincinnati. I had got a taste of the big cities and them bright lights. I stayed there until I was about 18 or 19 and then I went on to Detroit. John Lee Hooker
I like the small clubs. John Lee Hooker
I have heartaches, I have blues. No matter what you got, the blues is there. ‘Cause that’s all I know – the blues. And I can sing the blues so deep until you can have this room full of money and I can give you the blues. John Lee Hooker
Oh, I still like to play and I still play when I want to. John Lee Hooker
I don’t do nothing I don’t want to do. John Lee Hooker
