John Lee Hooker: I’m John Lee Hooker

I'm John Lee Hooker: The Electrified Delta Sound That Defined An Era

When John Lee Hooker released a compilation of singles and originals on Vee Jay Records in 1959, he didn't just put out another blues album—he helped ignite a Delta blues renaissance that would reverberate throughout the 1960s. This sharecropper's son revolutionized America's perception of the blues by electrifying the genre with the searing, hypnotic sounds flowing from his guitar. Hooker's signature rhythm boogie style was unmistakably, undeniably his own.

"I'm John Lee Hooker" arrived at a pivotal moment in American music, just as Bob Dylan, Pete Seeger, and Joan Baez were leading the folk boom. The Hooker-influenced Delta blues didn't merely coexist with this movement—it helped shape both the sound and style of the folk revolution.

The Vinyl Verdict
"I'm John Lee Hooker" on Vee Jay Records hasn't simply withstood the test of time—its rawness and punch perfectly capture the authentic sound Hooker was determined to achieve.

Today, the album stands as a definitive triumph, even if some might argue it's overshadowed by The Hook's later work. Regardless, it ranks among Vee Jay's finest mono releases and remains one of Hooker's most essential recordings. The sound quality is remarkable, delivering the gritty texture that makes Hooker's music so mesmerizing.

As expected from a smaller label of this era, the pressing isn't without flaws. There are manufacturing imperfections—minor ticks and pops appear throughout. However, these minor issues fade into insignificance when measured against the exceptional music that so perfectly documents both an era and an artist at a crucial stage in his development. Vee Jay was absolutely justified when they boldly labeled this release "a true high-fidelity tonal range recording.💰

💰 Invest
💵 Consider
💸 Pass