Entertainment, education, and inspiration are three broad areas of John’s expertise.
John Hook’s career(s) include photojournalism, broadcasting, consulting, radio syndication, webcasting, a posture adjustment specialist, ontological coaching, writing, and publishing.
Hook’s journalistic career began as a photo-journalist in Vietnam. He’s written and/or edited three magazines, one newspaper, and countless magazine and newspaper articles since.
As a cultural historian and writer, he has written 16 books on Southeastern entertainment culture including Shaggin’ In the Carolinas, Beach Music Guide Vol 1, Beach Music Guide Vol 2, The Beach and Shag All-Time Top 200, Dancing On the Edge Journal Vols 1, 2, & 3, Beach Music Encyclopedia, Fantastic Shakers 50 Year History, The Castaways 1961-2015, The Forgotten Pioneers and Amazing Rise of Beach Music, and several others. His seminal work, The Complete History of the Shag and other American Improvisational Dances is still under way. Although it includes all the major, long-lasting free style dances (such as The Push, The Whip, West Coast Swing, Rat Racing, Panama City Bop, Minnesott Beach Bop, Jitterbug, Jive, and others, It didn’t include the Kansas City Two Step until he encountered it upon his return to KC a year ago.
As a broadcaster, Hook’s experience ranges from DJ to owner. He was named National Program Director of the Year by Billboard magazine, and has syndicated eight different shows on over a hundred radio stations. He currently has three syndicated shows.
Whether he’s on the speaking circuit, on the radio, in a live presentation, or playing for a party, John delights in satisfied audiences who take away more than they were expecting.
Hosts:
Soul Dancin’ with Fessa’ John Hook
Although the primary focus of the show is Dance music, Soul Dancin’ presents dance music with particular qualities.
Freestyle dances (i.e. improvisational)
Couples touch-dances
At one time or another all these dances were Taboo! Disenfranchised!
Grounded in R&B, Jump Blues, Jazz (which began approximately 130 years ago), and Crossover music of any genre which matches the mood and rhythm of Soul Dancin’.
Among the Soul Dancin’ music featured are
Jump Blues old and new
West Coast Swing
The Push
East Coast Swing
Some Jitterbug
The Whip
The Shag
The Bop
Minnesott Beach Bop (Shag style)
Panama City Bop (PC Bop)
Steppin’ (Chicago, et al)
Kansas City 2 Step
Rat Racing
The Never Before revealed roots of Shag
Fun. Romance. And the deep listening of Ensemble Improvisation (you know, a couple pushin’ the envelope together on the dance floor).
