I’m in the Mood by John Lee Hooker and Bonnie Raitt

In 1991, two generations of blues musicians shared a stage for one powerful performance: I’m in the Mood by John Lee Hooker and Bonnie Raitt. The collaboration brought together Hooker’s deep, growling voice with Raitt’s expressive slide guitar and rich vocal tone. This duet wasn’t just about singing a classic; it was about two blues greats speaking the same language in real time. Their version of “I’m in the Mood” is one of those rare live moments that has stayed with fans for decades.

Two Blues Legends, One Iconic Performance

I’m in the Mood by John Lee Hooker and Bonnie Raitt was performed live during a special 1991 concert. Hooker, by then a living legend with a career spanning over five decades, had influenced nearly every major blues and rock artist to follow. His trademark talking blues style, heavy foot-stomping rhythm, and haunting vocal phrasing made him a genre-defining figure.

Bonnie Raitt, a younger star with deep respect for her predecessors, had already carved her path with her slide guitar work and emotional delivery. When the two joined forces for this performance, there was no showmanship, only honest musical exchange.

Hooker led the groove with his hypnotic rhythm, while Raitt added texture with subtle yet expressive phrasing. The arrangement was stripped down and moody, letting each phrase breathe. Their interplay felt effortless but precise, grounded by a deep respect for the blues tradition.

Watch the Full Performance of I’m in the Mood by John Lee Hooker and Bonnie Raitt

If you haven’t seen I’m in the Mood by John Lee Hooker and Bonnie Raitt live from 1991, don’t miss it.

Why This Song Still Matters

The Collaboration That Felt Natural

Hooker and Raitt didn’t overplay or over-sing. The song felt lived-in, like a conversation between old friends. Their version added a quiet kind of weight to the blues.

A True Example of Musical Respect

Rather than upstage each other, the two stayed in sync. Raitt played in service of Hooker’s style, yet her presence added richness to the track. You can hear how both artists gave the song room to breathe.

I’m in the Mood by John Lee Hooker and Bonnie Raitt Remains a Listener Favorite

Even decades later, this live rendition still circulates online and finds new audiences. It’s a reminder that blues doesn’t need to shout to say something important.

Conclusion

I’m in the Mood by John Lee Hooker and Bonnie Raitt remains one of the most talked-about blues collaborations of the 1990s. Their shared respect and musical understanding created a rendition that fans still return to, again and again. It’s more than just a duet—it’s a rare moment where two blues artists met at the same wavelength.

I’m in the Mood by John Lee Hooker and Bonnie Raitt Lyrics:
I’m in the mood, baby
I’m in the mood for love
I’m in the mood, baby
I’m in the mood for love
I’m in the mood, in the mood
Babe, I’m in the mood for love

I say, nighttime is the right time, to be with the one you love
You know when the night come, baby got no use so far away

I’m in the mood
I’m in the mood, babe
I’m in the mood for love
I’m in the mood, in the mood, baby
In the mood for love

I said, yes my mama told me, “Don’t leave that girl alone”
But my mama didn’t know, God know, yeah, I wouldn’t put it down

I’m the mood
I’m in the mood, baby, mood for love
I’m in the mood, I’m in the mood
Babe, in the mood for love

Songwriters: Joe Garland

I’m in the Mood lyrics © Universal Music – Careers, On The Hook Blues Music, Tapete Songs E.k. Inh. Gunther Buskies, Shapiro Bernstein & Co Inc, Peter Maurice Music Co Ltd