[engl] EARL HOOKER would undoubtedly have gone on to enjoy a major international career during the Blues/Rock era, had he been blessed with better health; but he sadly died in 1970, at the age of only forty. A cousin of John Lee Hooker, Earl was an exceptional slide player, known widely as 'The guitarists' guitarist'. He recorded few vocals as he was hindered by a stutter, to compensate, he concentrated on developing his playing technique. This compilation focuses on his earliest recordings between 1953-62, several of which were not commercially released until after his death.