Emily's Albums A to Z

Listened: Monday August 9

I think I checked out John Lee Hooker because someone recommended that I’d like his music. And I do! His accent reminds me of my Southern relatives, so I’m automatically drawn to it.

I can see how his style of blues singing influenced rap. He is basically rapping in a lot of the songs. It’s also still somehow modern; it’s hard to believe some of the songs are more than 60 years old.

Then there’s the elephant in the room – the sexual nature of the lyrics and how much they influenced rock and rap. It may not have been as clear to the average person back then, but in our less innocent times, many of the songs obviously have a sexual component.

“”‘John Lee, I need lovin’ and I just can’t help myself. Love me, love me, love me daddy, love me all night long'”

“Cause you got the best darn stinger any queen bee I ever seen”

“I’m a lonely boy, baby, looking for someone to love. Please come have a drink with me”

“I’ve been drinkin, you’ve been drinkin too. I know you’re ready baby, cause I’m ready for you… ready as a man can be”

Despite it being “blues”, John Lee’s music makes me really happy. Obviously, he’s a charming man in many ways!