Search - John Lee Hooker - That's My Story on DVD

A Unique Look At A Unique Man

William E Donoghue | Healdsburg CA USA | 06/27/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I had the pleasure of meeting John Lee Hooker in the early 1980s. He was checking into a hotel and I heard the man next to me say, "I give you this (a GOLD American Express card, rare at the time) and you give me a room." Without looking, I said "That must be John Lee Hooker." and turned to him and said "You have no idea of how much pleasure your music has given me." We had a moment. A few months later I saw him perform solo with his pignose amp in the statuary garden at the Museum of Modern Art in NYC. This video captures the John Lee Hooker I knew, still a mystery, still a voice that symbolizes the blues, and still a poet among men. Most of the footage is from the years before his recent death and there is precious little to explain how this solo artist came to be able to put together a band that could fill stadiums and satisfy the crowd every time. He was magic, mysterious and the essence of soul and yet a very sexy and friendly man who must have suffered for his art. He was a survivor among many who died along the road and a man among men. I can only hope to be remembered as warmly as he will be. He knew who he was and what he was and he thrived on it.
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Rent it.

N. Norton | midwest.usa | 04/22/2005

(3 out of 5 stars)

"ok. im a big fan of the hook. i mean it. i was stoked to order this DVD after reading a bunch of 5 star reviews... but this film is anything but a comprehensive look back at the king of boogie. it does have its bright spots... its john lee hooker for god's sake. but instead of reveling in the long, awesome carreer of the hook, it focuses on some of his last performances... which he seems to be more of a side man (he doesnt even play guitar for most of them). i really wonder why they even chose to show the clip of his daughter singing with him... you will see what i mean when you watch it.(it makes him seem senile and out of it) again, it does have its moments... some great interviews and short performances (all interrupted... come on...) but i really expected more.... if it wasnt john lee hooker... this rating would be only 2 of 5 stars... rent it, and be prepared."

A Good Documentary That Shoud Be Rented And Not Bought

D. B Pepper | Plainview, NY United States | 07/20/2008

(2 out of 5 stars)

"This is a good documentary about John Lee Hooker. However, it's best to rent this dvd, due to the mediocre concert performance by Hooker. This is understandable, though, considering Hooker's advanced age. There are simply too many musicians on the stage with him, and he barely touches his guitar. The setlist is unimpressive. The documentary portion of this dvd is very interesting, mostly due to Eric Clapton's comments, which are insightful and informative. The bonus material with Clapton being interviewed about his love for the Blues and his first time hearing Hooker is a real treat, as well. Eddie Kirkland, Johnnie Johnson, and John Hammond should have had some more screen time on this dvd."