Earl Hooker

Earl Hooker was an awe-inspiring slide guitarist and one of the architects of Chicago Blues. Though he was a star in his own right, other musicians loved his unique sound and he was a sideman on numerous projects (a blessing because his vocal chops aren't up to his guitar work). These performances are often his best -- since Hooker got the chance to bounce off of such equals as Muddy Waters, Junior Wells, and Sonny Boy Williamson. Hooker's brilliant guitar work actually fit into any musical occasion and his soulful, gritty sound worked just as well in country and jazz contexts as straight blues.