In the statement made by John Lee Hooker, he suggests that if musicians were to play more blues music, people would naturally come to appreciate and understand its profound essence. He hints at a growing desire or inevitability among artists to embrace the genre despite any resistance they might face.
Beyond its literal interpretation, this quote delves into the inherent power and emotional depth of the blues as an art form. Hooker implies that the blues has a unique ability to touch people on a fundamental level, resonating with their experiences and emotions in ways other music may not. This suggests that by playing more blues music, artists can connect deeply with audiences, allowing listeners to feel and understand the raw emotional truths conveyed through this genre. The phrase "they try to hold it back" also speaks to a resistance or reluctance to fully embrace the transformative power of the blues, but Hooker asserts that such attempts are futile given its growing influence and impact.
John Lee Hooker was an influential American blues musician known for his distinctive voice and guitar playing style. Born in 1917, he became a significant figure in the post-World War II blues scene and is celebrated as one of the greatest blues artists of all time. His music often reflected personal struggles and societal issues through evocative storytelling, which aligns with his own belief in the blues' ability to transcend barriers and connect people on an emotional level.
