It is believed that he was born in Tutwiler, Mississippi, in Tallahatchie County, although some sources say his birthplace was near Clarksdale, in Coahoma County.
Crese que Hooker naceu en Tutwiler, Mississippi, en Tallahatchie County, aínda que algunha fontes din que o seu lugar de nacemento estaba preto de Clarksdale, en Coahoma County.