Title: Testify
Artist: Reverend John Lee Hooker Jr.
Label: Steppin’ Stone
Formats: CD, Digital
Release date: February 14, 2020

John Lee Hooker Jr. grew up in Detroit, Michigan as the son of one of the greatest blues music icons in the world, the late and the great John Lee Hooker (1917-2001). As a bluesman, Rev. Hooker traveled the world performing with musical artists such as B.B. King, Snoop Dogg, Taj Mahal, Lenny Kravitz, Z.Z. Top, Buddy Guy and the late Etta James. After a long and successful career in secular music, Hooker became an ordained minister and is now singing a different tune—the tune of gospel—wrapped in his signature soulful blues sound.

Hooker says, “I get blessed seeing someone smile who has been touched through my music… I want to minister to people so they understand and believe they can have a better life than what they are living.” Hooker’s new album, Testify, is an expression of his faith in God and in the ability of people to change their life around from bad to good. On the title track, “Testify,” he sings, “I need to tell the world how my master made a blind man see.” Hooker offers a story of second chances, rebirth, and redemption, and wants his listeners to “Strive to Be Like Jesus” and to “Listen to the Spirit.” These are just a couple of the noteworthy tracks on the album.

Rev. Hooker’s faith and a little bit of gospel blues makes this album an inspiration to others who have traveled the dark side, from juvenile delinquents to the penitentiary and beyond. He encourages people to believe that one day they to will be able to Testify about the changes in their own lives.

Reviewed by Bobby E. Davis Jr.