Janey Hooper – 2019 INDUCTEE
Singer and keyboardist Janey Hooper was one of Central Iowa’s most versatile musicians, performing not only in the blues genre, but also rock, gospel, R&B, funk and jazz. Whatever the genre, her blues influences were always evident. She first gained prominence with the Cavaliers, with whom she played at various times during the ‘70s, ‘80s and ‘90s. Over the years she fronted several primarily blues-oriented groups, including the Janey Hooper Trio, Janey Hooper & the Drive, and Janey Hooper & the Soul Shakers. She was the “Keys” in Fat Tuesday & the Greasefire Keys band. Janey was also part of the house band for the world-famous Blues on Grand Thursday Night Jam. Over her career she shared the stage with a who’s who of Des Moines musicians including many IBHOF members. During her later years, Janey enjoyed hosting the Fat Tuesday Jam at Carl’s Place, as well as her association with the non-profit Merry Makers, performing at senior living centers. Janey was a three-time inductee in the Iowa Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and a 2015 inductee in the Iowa Jazz Hall of Fame. Jane Ann (Hooper) Hernandez lost her battle with pancreatic cancer on October 15, 2016.
