John Lee Hooker: That’s My Story: John Lee Hooker Sings The Blues

"That's My Story": John Lee Hooker's Delta Blues Masterpiece

The blues runs deep in American musical history, and few figures loom larger than John Lee Hooker. This sharecropper's son who transformed Delta blues with his electrified guitar and distinctive driving-rhythm boogie style—a sound entirely his own and separate from piano-based boogie-woogie—stands as a towering influence on American popular music, evidenced by his five Grammy Awards.

"That's My Story," Hooker's fifth album overall and impressively his third release of 1960 alone, captured the artist during a particularly prolific period. The album arrived as the American folk boom was gaining momentum, a movement Hooker's Delta blues approach had already begun to shape and influence.

The Vinyl Me, Please Treatment
Vinyl Me, Please (VMP) has included "That's My Story: John Lee Hooker Sings The Blues" in their Exclusive Pressing series, limiting the run to just 1,000 copies (each individually foil-stamped). This deluxe reissue features Kevin Grey's masterful work from the original tapes, with manufacturing handled by Memphis Record Pressing.

The aesthetic presentation impresses as well—gold and white swirl vinyl housed in substantial cardboard packaging that honors the legendary material within.

The Vinyl Verdict
VMP's track record may have its inconsistencies, but their handling of "That's My Story" stands as an unequivocal triumph. This ranks among their finest mono releases to date and presents this classic album in its most vibrant form ever. The sound quality delivers remarkable dynamics and openness while preserving the essential grit that makes Hooker's music so captivating.

While a few manufacturing imperfections exist—minor ticks and pops appear occasionally—they're easily overlooked given the exceptional mastering quality. This pressing captures the raw essence of Hooker's blues in a way that previous releases simply haven't matched.

For blues enthusiasts and vinyl collectors alike, this VMP exclusive pressing comes highly recommended. It stands as essential listening and a worthy addition to any serious collection. 💰

💰 Invest
💵 Consider
💸 Pass