(PR Web) - Blues singer John Lee Hooker, Jr. returned from his European tour this week to enjoy the holidays with family in Northern California, only to find that he'd been nominated for not one, but two, prestigious awards.

His debut CD, Blues With A Vengeance, on Kent Records, was nominated earlier this month for a Grammy in the Best Traditional Blues Album category by the National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences. Other nominees in the category include Eric Clapton, Etta James, James Cotton and Pinetop Perkins. The winner will be announced on February 13 in Los Angeles just prior to the televised ceremonies at Staples Center.

This week, the Blues Foundation in Memphis announced that the same CD was nominated for its W.C. Handy Award in the Best New Artist Debut category. Winners of the this prestigious blues community award will be announced on May 5, 2005.

Blues With A Vengeance was already named Outstanding Blues Album of the Year at the California Music Awards (formerly the BAMMYs) earlier this year.

John Lee Hooker, Jr. continues to tour with his band in support of Blues With A Vengeance. Upcoming appearances include a special New Year's Eve show at Biscuits & Blues in his hometown of San Francisco. A full schedule can be found at www.johnleehookerjr.com.