Sam "Lightnin'" Hopkins was a towering figure in the world of the blues, renowned for his nimble guitar playing, expressive vocals, and spontaneous songwriting. Born in Centerville, Texas, in 1912, Hopkins was immersed in the blues from a young age, learning from legends such as Blind Lemon Jefferson and his cousin, country blues singer Texas Alexander. He began his recording career in the 1940s, quickly developing his signature style that combined the acoustic blues traditions of rural Texas with the uptown sensibilities of the burgeoning urban blues scene.

Hopkins's ability to weave intricate, improvised guitar lines with relatable storytelling and a charismatic stage presence won him a dedicated following. He was known for his mastery of the blues guitar, often playing an electrified hollow-body that allowed him to transition from delicate fingerpicking to a gritty, percussive strum. Lightnin' performed across the United States and internationally, leaving a lasting influence on the evolution of the blues and inspiring countless musicians. Though he passed away in 1982, his legacy endures through a vast discography and live recordings that capture the essential rawness and emotion of the blues. Albums like "Lightnin' Strikes," "Live At Newport," and "Lightnin' Hopkins Blues Legends" are a testament to his enduring appeal and the timeless quality of his music. Hopkins’s unfiltered expression of the human condition through the medium of the blues ensures his place as a kingpin in the genre's rich history.

Genres

Acoustic Blues

Blues

Country Blues

Delta Blues

Texas Blues

Traditional Blues

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Howlin' Wolf

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B.B. King

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Buddy Guy

Latest Release

Live From The Ash Grove...Plus!

Lightnin' Hopkins

Album - 20 Tracks - Released June 21, 2024