The Healer was a major comeback for John Lee Hooker. Featuring a wide array of guest stars, including Bonnie Raitt, Johnnie Johnson, and Los Lobos, The Healer captured widespread media attention because of all the superstar musicians involved in its production. Unfortunately, that long guest list is what makes the album a fairly unengaging listen. Certainly there are moments were it clicks, but that's usually when the music doesn't greatly expand on his stripped-down boogie.
John Lee Hooker was 73 years old when the album was released. It was his first Grammy win and was the album that had placed highest on the Billboard charts in his forty-year career. The album had such success that it "permitted John Lee Hooker to live out the end of his life in comfort". Powers recounts with joy sending a large royalty check to Hooker, and the deep gratitude he felt for the opportunity to help him to finally achieve the recognition he deserved.
John Lee Hooker – vocals, guitar, steel guitar
Jose Areas – timbales
Steve Berlin – saxophone
Ndugu Chancler – drums
Richard Cousins – bass guitar
Robert Cray – guitar
Steve Ehrmann – bass guitar
Jim Gaines – engineering and co-production on "The Healer"
David Hidalgo – guitar, accordion
Sam Lehmer – engineering on all tracks except "The Healer" and "Think Twice Before You Go", mixing
Scott Mathews – drums
Charlie Musselwhite – harmonica
Mike Kappus – executive producer
Conrad Lozano – bass guitar
Mark Lynelle – engineering on "Think Twice Before You Go"
Adolfo de la Parra – drums
Armando Peraza – congas
Louie Pérez – drums
Bonnie Raitt – vocals, slide guitar
Roy Rogers – guitar, slide guitar, production
Cesar Rosas – guitar
Carlos Santana – guitar and co-production on "The Healer"
Larry Taylor – bass guitar
Chester D. Thompson – keyboards
George Thorogood – guitar
Henry Vestine – guitar
01. The Healer (5:38)
02. I'm in the Mood (4:30)
03. Baby Lee (3:45)
04. Cuttin' Out (4:36)
05. Think Twice Before You Go (2:59)
06. Sally Mae (3:18)
07. That's Alright (4:23)
08. Rockin' Chair (4:08)
09. My Dream (4:07)
10. No Substitute (4:05)
