Earl Hooker Vinyl Records Lps For Sale

Check out these new and used Earl Hooker vinyl records LPs for sale. Earl Hooker, cousin of John Lee Hooker, was born in the Mississippi Delta in 1929, but was quickly relocated to Chicago and grew up in that area. Hooker is widely considered the greatest Chicago slide guitarist during the 50s and 60s. As a child, he was influenced by another outstanding slide guitarist, Robert Nighthawk. Earl ended up finding his way back to the Mississippi Delta as a young teenager, and ended up playing with Ike Turner and Sonny Boy Williamson. Hooker recorded his first vinyl records in 1952 with King Records and Sun Records. If his vocal ability and matched his masterful guitar playing, he would certainly be more well known today, but as it stands, Hooker is known within blues music historians as one of the most creative and talented slide guitarists of all time. one of his notable collaborations was working with Muddy Waters on his vinyl recording You Shook Me for Chess Records. Hooker’s popularity shot up beyond Chicago into the mainstream in the 1960s when he cut some record LPs for Arhoolie and Blue Thumb. BB King described Earl Hooker as “one of the greatest modern guitarists and the true master of the slide.” Unfortunately, Tuberculosis brought his life to an early end at age 41 in 1970. We recommend starting your Earl Hooker vinyl collection with the excellent 2 Bugs & a Roach and Don’t Have to Worry. Our inventory is constantly changing, so check back often, or browse our list of vinyl from blues musicians.

Earl Hooker Lp Vinyl Arhoolie Records

Earl Hooker: Blues Guitar Virtuoso On Vinyl

Early Life And Style

Earl Hooker was one of the most innovative blues guitarists of his time. Born in Mississippi, he later grew up in Chicago. He developed a style that blended traditional blues with electrifying slide guitar techniques. His mastery of tone and phrasing earned him recognition among peers and legends alike. Many saw him as the “musician’s musician,” admired by fellow guitarists for his technical brilliance.

Hooker’s approach was never just about raw power. Instead, he used finesse, clarity, and emotional expression in every performance. His guitar almost seemed to speak. Because of this, many considered him one of the greatest slide guitarists in blues history. His music comes alive even more on vinyl. The warmth and depth of analog sound capture his tone better than streaming ever could. On this page, you can find his albums for sale, offering the perfect chance to hear his music as it was meant to be heard.

Notable Albums

Earl Hooker released several albums that defined his legacy. Each record highlights his technical mastery and his creative approach to the blues. Let’s look at some of his most important albums with track-by-track highlights.

“Two Bugs And A Roach” (1969)

This album is widely seen as Hooker’s masterpiece. Every track showcases his range and creativity.

  • “Anna Lee” – A soulful opener with crisp guitar lines and heartfelt vocals. Hooker’s slide work sets the tone beautifully.
  • “Off The Hook” – Playful and funky, this track reveals Hooker’s sense of humor in both title and performance.
  • “Love Ain’t A Plaything” – Emotional and raw, this song mixes sharp guitar licks with heartfelt storytelling.
  • “You Don’t Love Me” – A classic blues standard delivered with Hooker’s unique touch and fluid slide playing.
  • “Two Bugs And A Roach” – The title track brings grit, humor, and irresistible rhythm, making it a standout.
  • “I Feel Good” – A confident tune where Hooker lets loose with dazzling solos.
  • “Wah Wah Blues” – Innovative use of the wah pedal makes this track ahead of its time.
  • “We Don’t Care” – A fun, defiant closer with sharp guitar interplay and bold energy.

On vinyl, the warmth of these tracks enhances the grit and groove, making it a must-have for collectors.

“Don’t Have To Worry” (1969)

Released the same year, this album shows Hooker in peak form.

  • “Funky Blues” – A strong opener that fuses blues roots with funk energy.
  • “Come To Me Right Away, Baby” – A tender performance full of emotion and smooth guitar lines.
  • “Blue Guitar” – An instrumental highlight that proves Hooker’s guitar could sing on its own.
  • “Going Home Tomorrow” – A mid-tempo tune with classic Chicago blues drive.
  • “Is You Ever Seen A One-Eyed Woman Cry” – Memorable for both its quirky title and striking guitar phrasing.
  • “Don’t Have To Worry” – The title track is gritty, full of life, and deeply rooted in Chicago blues.

Listening to this on vinyl captures every nuance, from subtle string bends to raw vocal emotion.

“Sweet Black Angel” (1969)

This record emphasizes Hooker’s lyrical guitar playing.

  • “Sweet Black Angel” – A heartfelt tribute with aching slide guitar melodies.
  • “Going Up And Down” – Blues storytelling combined with vibrant rhythm.
  • “Take Me Back” – A soulful, emotional performance full of longing.
  • “I’m Going To Change My Way Of Living” – Confident and bold, with Hooker’s guitar leading the charge.
  • “Cold Blooded” – Smooth yet sharp, this track shows his control over both tone and phrasing.

The richness of the analog sound makes this album truly shine on vinyl.

“Funky Blues” (1972)

This later release highlights Hooker’s ability to blend funk, soul, and blues seamlessly.

  • “Funky Blues” – A dynamic opener with irresistible grooves.
  • “Big Fat Mama” – Energetic, fun, and full of personality.
  • “Hot And Heavy” – Tight rhythm and fast-paced solos keep this track moving.
  • “Cookin’ With Earl” – Hooker at his most playful, showing off his guitar chops with flair.

Hearing the deep bass and crisp guitar tones on vinyl makes this album feel alive.

Influences On Earl Hooker

Earl Hooker was influenced by blues legends such as Robert Nighthawk and Tampa Red. Their slide guitar work inspired him to develop his own style. He also absorbed elements of traditional Delta blues and the evolving Chicago scene. His openness to funk and soul gave his music a modern edge.

Who Earl Hooker Influenced

Hooker influenced many guitarists who followed, including Eric Clapton and Duane Allman. His slide guitar technique set new standards for expressive playing. Younger blues artists looked to him as a guide in merging traditional sounds with modern styles. His bold use of effects pedals inspired rock and funk players as well. His recordings still inspire today’s musicians who value technical mastery and emotional playing.

Why Earl Hooker’s Vinyl Albums Matter

Earl Hooker’s music sounds best on vinyl. Streaming can flatten the depth and warmth of his guitar tones. Vinyl captures the richness of every slide, bend, and note. It also gives his vocals and band arrangements the depth they deserve. On this page, you can find his classic albums for sale. Owning them on vinyl means experiencing the music as it was meant to be heard.

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