The family blues pedigree took hold early, and Hooker was performing live on Detroit's WJBK radio station when he was only eight years old, and by his teens he was touring with his father. At 18, he was a featured vocalist on Hooker, Sr.'s Live at Soledad Prison album and the future looked bright for the young musician, but drug and alcohol problems derailed things for some 25 years until family and friends helped Hooker through his problems and he emerged healthier, wiser, and ready to resume his career as a musician. Calling his music "2 parts R&B, 1 part jazz & down home blues," Hooker is capable of reproducing his father's rough Delta blues style, but tends to gravitate to a smoother, more urban approach. His debut album, Blues with a Vengeance, was released in 2004 by Kent Records to heavy acclaim and ended up winning Hooker a Grammy. Hooker's follow-up album, Cold as Ice, appeared in 2006 from Telarc Records. ~ Steve Leggett