Boogie Man

'You the funkiest man alive.' Miles Davis' accolade was the perfect expression of John Lee Hooker's apotheosis as blues superstar: recording with the likes of Van Morrison, Keith Richards and Carlos Santana; making TV commercials for Lee Jeans; appearing in films such as The Blues Brothers; and even starring in Pete Townshend's musical adaptation of Ted Hughes' story The Iron Man. His was an extraordinary life.

Born in the American deep south, he moved to Detroit and then, in a career spanning over fifty years, recorded hypnotic blues classics such as 'Boogie Chillen', rhythm-and- blues anthems such as 'Dimples' and 'Boom Boom' and, in his final, glorious renaissance, the Grammy-winning album The Healer.

Charles Shaar Murray's authoritative biography does magnificent justice to the man and his music.

About The Author

Charles Shaar Murray (born 1951) is an English music journalist. His first experience in journalism came 1970 when he was asked to contribute to the satirical magazine Oz. In particular, he contributed to the notorious Schoolkids OZ issue, and was involved in the consequent obscenity trial. He then wrote for the New Musical Express from 1972 until 1986. His writing has also appeared in Q , Mojo, New Statesman, Prospect, Guardian, Observer, Daily Telegraph, and Vogue. He currently writes a monthly column about his life-long love affair with guitars in Guitarist.