John Lee Hooker

Because he recorded for countless labels over the course of seven decades, John Lee Hooker's hugely influential brand of blues and boogie has never been successfully anthologized until now. This four-disc set clocks in at more than four hours and features 85 examples of Hooker's distinctive brilliance. It's a massive undertaking, packed full of Hooker's patented rhythms, salacious lyrics and deep, resonant vocals.

Easily on par with blues legends Muddy Waters, Howlin' Wolf and Lightnin' Hopkins, Hooker's stature has never diminished. Indeed, his late-in-life duets with Robert Cray, Los Lobos and Van Morrison are nearly as essential as his seminal work throughout the '50s and '60s. Listening to "Boom Boom," "Big Legs, Tight Skirt," "Boogie Chillen" and "It Serves Me Right to Suffer," it becomes immensely clear the impact Hooker had not only on the Stones, Zeppelin and myriad other early rockers, but also on the attitude and language of many in the hip-hop community.

Complete with the prerequisite booklet of insightful essays and rare photos, Hooker finally presents a full picture of one of the true legends of American music.