Lightnin' Hopkins

Country blues and blues singer, song writer, guitarist and pianist Samuel John “Lightnin'”Hopkins was born in Centerville, Texas, on March 15, 1912. As a child he was immersed in the sounds of the blues, and was inspired by Blind Lemon Jefferson, whom he met at a Church picnic when he was eight years old, and whom he subsequently accompanied, a rare honour, and also learned blues music from his cousin Alger “Texas” Alexander. He is also associated with his cousin Frankie Lee Sims. In the 1930s he was sent to Houston County Prison Farm for an unknown reason. In the late 30s he moved to Houston and tried to get into the music business with his cousin Alexander, but by 1940 he was working as a farm hand in Centerville. In 1946 he had a second attempt and was discovered by Lola Ann Cullum of Aladdin Records. In 1960 he was invited to appear at New York’s Carnegie Hall with Peter, Paul and Mary, Joan Baez and Pete Seeger.

In a long career spanning almost 50 years Hopkins recorded more albums than any other bluesman. His style was as a result of playing for so many years without a band. In 1968, Hopkins recorded the sought-after album “Free Form Patterns”, backed by the rhythm section of the psychedelic rock band 13th Floor Elevators.

Lightnin’ Hopkins died from esophageal cancer in Houston, Texas, on January 30, 1982.

Image: Les Blank

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