5 Facts About John Lee Hooker’s Only Impulse! Records Album

It Serve You Right to Suffer is John Lee Hooker’s only album on Impulse! Records. The label was primarily known for jazz, making this a unique release in his catalog.

The album was recorded in 1966. It features Hooker backed by a full band, including jazz musicians like Pee Wee Crayton on guitar.

The title track is a slow, brooding blues standard. Hooker’s raw vocal delivery and repetitive guitar riff define the song’s mood.

The album was produced by Bob Thiele. Thiele was Impulse!’s main producer and helped shape the label’s sound.

It Serve You Right to Suffer is considered one of Hooker’s finest studio albums. Critics praise its cohesive, soulful arrangements and Hooker’s commanding presence.