“Heaven Rules”
Reverend John Lee Hooker Jr.
Steppin’ Stone Records (release date: June 13, 2025)
By Robert M. Marovich
“Heaven Rules” is a righteous variation on the talking blues, a sermonette by the Reverend John Lee Hooker Jr.—son of the famous bluesman—as preacher and a mixed choir as congregation.
The Reverend Hooker cites the story of King Nebuchadnezzar in Daniel 4:31-32, among other Scriptural passages, to warn of the deathly dangers of greed. The musicians provide the “real talk” with a bluesy foundation. Bringing the story to the present, Hooker lists a presidential pardon as among the earthly absolutions that will be weighed in the balance at the judgement, and may find you wanting.
Written by : Bob Marovich
Bob Marovich is a gospel music historian, author, and radio host. Founder of Journal of Gospel Music blog (formally The Black Gospel Blog) and producer of the Gospel Memories Radio Show.
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