Lightnin' Hopkins
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Sam "Lightnin'" Hopkins (March 15, 1912 – January 30, 1982) was a country blues guitar legend, from Houston, Texas.
Born in Centerville, Texas, he learned the blues when young in Buffalo, Texas from Blind Lemon Jefferson and his older cousin, country-blues singer Alger 'Texas' Alexander. When Hopkins and Alexander were playing in Houston in 1946, he was discovered by Lola Anne Cullum of Los Angeles' Aladdin Records (although Alexander would not make it out to LA). Hopkins' fast finger style is very distinct. He settled in Houston in 1952 and gained much attention. Solid recordings followed including his masterpiece song Mojo Hand in 1960. He was an influence on Jimmie Vaughan's work, and, more significantly, on the vocals and blues style of Pigpen, the keyboardist of the Grateful Dead until 1972.
In 1968 he recorded an album backed by psychedelic rock band, the 13th Floor Elevators.
A song named after him was recorded by R.E.M. on their album Document.
Discography
Film
The Blues Accordin' to Lightnin' Hopkins (1969). Directed by Les Blank and Skip Gerson. El Cerrito, California: Flower Films & Video. Released on video in 1979. ISBN 0933621043.
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