Leaving school before entering his senior year, he moved to Charleston, South Carolina to work in the house band "The Magnificent Seven", at The Merchant Seamans Club on East Bay Street.
[4] While working on staff at Sam Phillips recording studios, Hooker was asked to be a founding member of The Amazing Rhythm Aces.
[5] Hooker was Steve Winwood's keyboard player, including the "Back in the High Life" tour.
"[11][12][13] In 1976, Hooker won a Grammy award for Best Country Vocal Performance by a Duo or Group as part of the Amazing Rhythm Aces, for the song "The End Is Not In Sight (The Cowboy Tune).
He lives in Ireland and Spain with his wife Jessica, where he records songs and instrumentals for visual media.