Originally released in 1998, The Best of Friends marks a milestone in the grand career of Blues legend John Lee Hooker. This seminal album highlights Hooker’s late-career collaborations in the 80s and 90s with an array of musicians including Eric Clapton, Ry Cooder, Carlos Santana, Van Morrison, and Bonnie Raitt.

Now, for the first time, The Best of Friends will be available on 2LP vinyl and reissued on CD starting July 12, 2024.

The reissue includes an exclusive edition available through Vinyl Me Please, featuring a red and black marble vinyl limited to 750 units.  All formats include the Bonus Track “Up and Down” featuring Johnnie Johnson on piano. 

The Best of Friends celebrates Hooker’s ability to bridge generations of Blues enthusiasts. Throughout his career, spanning over six decades, Hooker’s influence extended beyond his solo works, earning him a revered place in music history.

The Best of Friends Tracklist:
1. Boogie Chillen – with Eric Clapton
2. This Is Hip – with Ry Cooder
3. The Healer – with Carlos Santana
4. I Cover the Waterfront – with Van Morrison & Booker T. Jones
5. Boom Boom – with Jimmie Vaughan
6. I’m in the Mood – with Bonnie Raitt
7. Burnin’ Hell – with Ben Harper & Charlie Musselwhite
8. Tupelo
9. Baby Lee – with Robert Cray
10. Dimples – with Los Lobos
11. Chill Out (Things Gonna Change) – with Carlos Santana
12. Big Legs, Tight Skirt – with Ry Cooder & Ike Turner
13. Don’t Look Back – with Van Morrison & Charles Brown
14. Up and Down – with Johnnie Johnson (Bonus Track)