Like Father...Like Son, John Lee Hooker, Jr. Steeped in the Blues

Not unlike Johnny Cash, Rev. John Lee Hooker, Jr. has built a formidable entertainment career singing and preaching his message to those behind bars. This past Saturday, Hooker, Jr. presented two inspirational shows at Pelican Bay State Prison (PBSP).

Pastor Hooker, Junior began his message by telling the 50 or so inmates in the attendance at the first program, “I’ve been through the mill, shot twice stabbed, homeless and have done time in San Quentin, Soledad, Avenal, Tracy and a few others. I’ve been a drug addict and dealer. I’m here to tell you the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth.”

The ordained minister and Chaplin at Pelican Bay State Prison (PBSP) is the son of world-renowned Blues guitarist / singer John Lee Hooker (Boom, Boom, Boom, Boom) has an exceptional background on his own merit.

“My goal is to change hearts through music and God,” says Hooker.

And apparently, he has! His Hallelujah hit celebrates Rev. John Lee’s victorious battle and recovery from drug addiction, crime and a life in prison. John Lee acquired a Masters Degree in Ministry and Pastoral Education and a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Counseling.

The twice-nominated Grammy Blues and Gospel artist John Lee, Jr. comes from a noteworthy background steeped in The Blues. He’s self-referenced as the “Black Sheep" of the family, Hooker, Junior shared his story and back-ground, then he sang...and boy, did he sing. Things got warmed up, toes tapping when he sang, “Real Talk, Heaven Moves.”

“Are you prepared to meet your maker? You are here for a purpose.” Hooker

shouted out.

Following his two pro-grams, Saturday, the Rev. Hooker was heading south to the Bay Area to share his testimony with a Church in West Oakland.Special thanks and recognition to Crescent City’s Mike Gomez who helped facilitate John Lee Hooker, Junior’s visit and show to PBSP, last week. John Lee Hooker, Jr., You ain’t the Black Sheep no mo...