The John Lee Hooker Foundation is a nonprofit organization established in 2001 by the Hooker Family Estate. Headquartered in the San Francisco Bay Area, we carry forward the legacy of blues legend John Lee Hooker by investing in youth, music, and cultural access.

Our mission is to empower young people through music, education, and the arts. We focus on underserved communities, creating pathways for children to express themselves, build confidence, and connect with their cultural heritage.

We do this through:

Providing instruments and music supplies to schools and youth programs

Developing culturally inclusive music curriculum for public schools and community centers

Hosting live performances, workshops, and festivals celebrating Black artistry and history

Partnering with artists and educators to deliver hands-on music education

Offering grants to community organizations advancing art and education

John Lee Hooker believed in the transformative power of music. We carry that belief into every program we build, every student we serve, and every community we enter. The blues endures, so does the work.