Blues Kingpins (2003)

About this title: If John Lee Hooker hadn't existed, the blues would have had to invent him, because he provides a perfect bridge between prewar country blues from the south and the urban electric blues that took form in Chicago and other Northern cities following the war. Hooker's first big hit, the primeval "Boogie Chillen'" from 1948, is a case in point, with its driving Mississippi rhythm and intangible Detroit ambience. This succinct anthology collects "Boogie Chillen'" along with 1949's equally as influential "Crawlin' King Snake" and 16 other tracks drawn from Hooker's run with Modern Records between ... read more

Tracks:

1. Boogie Chillen' [Hooker]
2. Sally Mae [Hooker]
3. Hoogie Boogie [Besman/Hooker/Josea]
4. Hobo Blues [Besman/Hooker/Josea]
5. Weeping Willow Boogie [Hooker/Besman]
6. Crawlin' King Snake [Besman/Hooker]
7. Howlin' Wolf [Hooker/Besman]
8. Queen Bee [Hooker/Besman]
9. I'm in the Mood [Hooker/Besman]
10. How Can You Do It [Hooker/Besman]
11. Anybody Seen My Baby [Hooker/Besman]
12. I Got Eyes for You [Hooker/Taub]
13. It's Been I Long Time Baby [Hooker/Taub]
14. Love Money Can't Buy [Hooker/Besman]
15. I Tried Hard [Hooker/Taub]
16. Hug and Squeeze [Hooker/Ling]
17. The Syndicator [Hooker/Josea]
18. I'm Ready [Hooker]

Note: This is a general synopsis. Each listing is further described below.