Reverend John Lee Hooker Jr., born in Detroit, Michigan, is the son of the blues legend John Lee Hooker and, as a teenager, toured with his dad as the featured attraction. He had a successful career as a blues artist, receiving two Grammy nominations and the Bobby "Blue" Bland Lifetime Achievement Award. Now an ordained minister, Reverend John Lee Hooker Jr. testifies, preaches, and performs gospel music in prisons. Visit johnleehookerjr.com.
Julia Simon is a Professor at the University of California, Davis and author of Debt and Redemption in the Blues: The Call for Justice, The Inconvenient Lonnie Johnson: Blues, Race, Identity, and Time in the Blues.

John Lee Hooker Jr.'s deliverance from darkness to abundant light is a mighty testament to the power of prayer. He is a blessing to me and an inspiration to all in his presence!

John Lee was unique. No one sounded like him. No one has ever tried. He was rhythm all in one chord, no fancy stuff. No fooling! His voice could frighten a ghost and what he said was not dinner conversation. "Crawlin' Kingsnake", "Boom Boom", and "Boogie Chillun" aren't someone looking for a chart topper. But they did! Unique, because there is nothing like him. He doesn't fit into the neat little boxes musicians are often forced into. It feels as if you are being put in touch with music before recording, before technology demanded a format. He stands alone. If you got the chance to play with him, you realized there was no compromise. You played with him-he didn't play with you. I was privileged to be there. I'm so happy to know that John Lee Hooker Jr. is following proudly in the preeminent footsteps of his amazing father!

This is the triumphant testimony of a man who was lost and, against all odds, became a true winner during his long and winding road through life.

I've known Junior Hooker since the mid-70s and have witnessed his ups and downs while experiencing my own. Today we're both clean, sober new men! I know everyone will find inspiration in this deep and heartfelt story.

Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield Publishers

Pub date: 2025-02-04

Length: 236 pages