A long-lost treasure trove of recordings by blues legend John Lee Hooker is finally seeing the light of day. Taped in 1973 for the award-winning educational radio series The Standard School Broadcast, this collection captures Hooker and a hand-picked trio of musicians at their most intimate and inspired. Decades later, the full session has been unearthed, offering fans an unparalleled glimpse into the artistry of one of the blues’ greatest pioneers.
Founded in 1928, The Standard School Broadcast was a groundbreaking educational program sponsored by Standard Oil (later Exxon). Dedicated to music appreciation and American history, the series reached schools across the Western United States via the NBC network and specialized in creating custom records for classroom use. In one of its many explorations of musical genres, the program invited John Lee Hooker to represent the blues, resulting in an unforgettable studio session at San Francisco’s Coast Recorders.
Hooker was joined by his trusted rhythm section: bassist Gino Skaggs, drummer Ken Swank, and his 20-year-old son, Robert Hooker, on piano. Over the course of the session, the group recorded eight tracks, only three of which were ever broadcast. The remaining five tracks have remained unheard—until now.
This newly released collection showcases Hooker’s unfiltered genius, recorded live with no overdubs, edits, or significant mixing. It captures a moment in time when Hooker’s music was at its most personal and profound, reflecting both his deep connection to the blues tradition and his willingness to innovate within it. The set features reimagined versions of Hooker classics like “Sally Mae” and “Hard Times,” alongside spontaneous creations and medleys that exemplify his unique approach to storytelling through song.
“I just go by the natural blues. I just play it as I feel it,” Hooker once said. That philosophy is evident throughout the session, where free-form slow blues intertwine with bursts of raw emotion and improvisation. The music transcends entertainment, functioning as exorcism, prayer, and self-revelation. Themes of regret, redemption, and resilience permeate the lyrics, offering listeners an intimate portrait of a man wrestling with his own humanity.
Hooker’s son, Robert, delivers a standout performance on piano, seamlessly complementing his father’s voice and guitar. Whether laying down a deep groove or providing delicate flourishes, Robert’s intuitive playing is a testament to his profound musical connection with his father. Together with Skaggs and Swank, the ensemble creates a sonic landscape that is both hauntingly beautiful and profoundly moving.
Highlights of the collection include:
- “Sally Mae”: A solo rendition of Hooker’s 1948 classic, stripped to its emotional core.
- “When My First Wife Left Me/Hobo Blues”: A medley that blurs the line between past and present.
- “Should Have Been Gone”: A fresh spin on a Hooker staple previously known as “I’m Leaving.”
- “Hard Times”: A poignant reimagining of Hooker’s earlier work “No Shoes.”
- “Rock With Me”: An infectious groove that lifts the spirit.
Had this collection been released at the time of its recording, it would undoubtedly have been hailed as one of Hooker’s classic albums. Now, half a century later, it serves as both a historical artifact and a timeless piece of art. This is John Lee Hooker at his most raw, vulnerable, and transcendent—a true healer, healing himself through the power of the blues.
The Standard School Broadcast Track Listing:
Bad Boy
Hard Times
Rock With Me
Should Have Been Gone
I Hate the Day I Was Born
When My First Wife Left Me/Hobo Blues
Sally Mae (Bonus Track)
Coast Recorders Jam (Bonus Track)
Bonus tracks appear only on the CD and digital versions.
Release Information:
The newly unearthed recordings from The Standard School Broadcast session will be available via BMG on February 28, 2025, in multiple formats, including vinyl, CD, and digital streaming. The CD and digital versions feature two bonus tracks: “Sally Mae” and “Coast Recorders Jam.” Pre-orders begin today here.
