Biography
Lightnin' Hopkins, born Samuel John Hopkins on March 15, 1912, in Centerville, Texas, was a seminal figure in American blues whose career spanned six decades and hundreds of recordings. Raised in a family of sharecroppers and the grandson of slaves, Hopkins was immersed in the blues from an early age, building his first guitar from a cigar box and wire. His earliest musical influences came from family members, notably his older brothers Joel and John Henry, and a pivotal encounter with Blind Lemon Jefferson at a church picnic, who mentored the young Hopkins and inspired his lifelong devotion to the blues[4][3].
Hopkins began performing at local dances and picnics, eventually traveling across Texas and working with his cousin, the singer Texas Alexander. After a stint in a Houston County prison farm in the late 1930s, Hopkins returned to music, and in 1946, a talent scout discovered him in Houston, leading to his first recordings with pianist 'Thunder' Smith. The resulting 'Thunder and Lightnin'' sessions produced the hit 'Katie Mae Blues,' launching Hopkins into a prolific recording career. He became known for his deeply personal lyrics, improvisational style, and the distinctive 'Texas pinch' guitar technique, which blended country blues with electric blues as the genre evolved[1][2].
Throughout his career, Hopkins recorded over six hundred tracks, performed internationally—including at Carnegie Hall and on European tours—and appeared on television. His music addressed both social and personal themes, capturing the struggles and spirit of African American life in Texas. Hopkins's legacy is marked by his influence on blues and rock musicians, his storytelling prowess, and his enduring impact on American music. He died in Houston, Texas, on January 30, 1982, leaving behind a rich cultural footprint[1][5].
Fun Facts
- Hopkins built his first guitar from a cigar box and a piece of wire as a child[4][3].
- He was known for improvising lyrics on the spot to suit the mood or occasion of his performances[2].
- Hopkins recorded over 600 songs, making him one of the most prolific blues artists of his era[1].
- His nickname 'Lightnin'' was given during his first recording session to pair with pianist 'Thunder' Smith[1].
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- Blind Lemon Jefferson - Early mentor; Hopkins played with Jefferson at a church picnic and was inspired by his style. (Live performances, formative influence on Hopkins's style) [1920s]
- Texas Alexander - Cousin and collaborator; Hopkins accompanied Alexander, learning lyrical improvisation. (Live performances, early recordings) [1930s-1940s]
- Joel Hopkins - Older brother who taught Lightnin' to play guitar. (Family music sessions) [1910s-1920s]
Key Collaborators
- Thunder Smith - Pianist; Hopkins's first recording partner in Los Angeles. (Thunder and Lightnin' sessions) [1946]
- Texas Alexander - Frequent collaborator in live performances and early recordings. (Various recordings and performances) [1930s-1940s]
- Pete Seeger and Joan Baez - Shared stage at Carnegie Hall during folk revival concerts. (Carnegie Hall folk bill) [1960]
Artists Influenced
- Townes Van Zandt - Cited Hopkins as a major influence on his songwriting and guitar style. (Various albums and performances) [1970s-1980s]
- Stevie Ray Vaughan - Influenced Vaughan's Texas blues guitar technique. (Texas Flood, other works) [1980s]
- Jimi Hendrix - Hendrix drew inspiration from Hopkins's improvisational style and blues phrasing. (Early blues covers, improvisational guitar work) [1960s]
Connection Network
Discography
Albums
| Title | Release Date | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Mojo Hand | 1962-04-13 | Album |
| The Complete Prestige / Bluesville Recordings | 1991-01-01 | Album |
| Lightnin' Strikes, Vol. 1 | 1971-09-07 | Album |
| Mojo Hand Anthology | 1993-05-24 | Album |
| Double Blues | 1989-05-26 | Album |
| Lightnin' Strikes | 1962-05-26 | Album |
| Blowin' The Fuses | 2004 | Album |
| The Burning Spider | 2017-04-21 | Album |
| The Gold Star Sessions, Vol. 1 | 1990-01-01 | Album |
| Texas Blues | 1989-01-01 | Album |
| Lightnin' and the Blues: The Herald Sessions | 2001-04-16 | Album |
| Soul Blues | 1991-01-01 | Album |
| Complete Aladdin Recordings | 1991-01-01 | Album |
| Lightnin'! | 1993-01-01 | Album |
| How Many More Years I Got | 1981-01-01 | Album |
Top Tracks
- My Man (The Burning Spider)
- Mojo Hand (Mojo Hand)
- The Burning Spider (The Burning Spider)
- Back To New Orleans (The Complete Prestige / Bluesville Recordings)
- Woke up This Morning (Lightnin' Strikes, Vol. 1)
- Bring Me My Shotgun (Mojo Hand Anthology)
- Devil Is Watching You (Lightnin' Strikes)
- Black Ghost Blues (Double Blues)
- Automobile Blues (The Complete Prestige / Bluesville Recordings)
- Give Me Central 209 (Mojo Hand Anthology)
External Links
Heard on WWOZ
lightning hopkins has been played 2 times on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.
| Date | Time | Title | Show | Spotify |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 5, 2026 | 19:23 | Got Me A Louisiana WOmanfrom IVORY 45 | Blues and R&Bw/ Gentilly Jr. | |
| Oct 21, 2025 | 15:19 | late in the eveningfrom tnt single | Soul Serenadew/ Marc Stone |