Lightning Hopkins facts for kids
Sam "Lightnin'" Hopkins (March 15, 1912 - January 30, 1982) was a very important country blues guitar player and singer. He was from Houston, Texas. He was known for his unique guitar playing and powerful singing, often telling stories about life in his songs. Lightnin' Hopkins became famous for his "Texas blues" style, which mixed traditional blues with his own creative ideas. He recorded many albums and performed for decades, influencing many musicians who came after him.
Who Was Lightnin' Hopkins?
Sam Hopkins got the nickname "Lightnin'" because he was so fast at learning and playing music. He started playing the guitar when he was very young. He learned from older blues musicians, including his cousin, Texas Alexander, and the legendary Blind Lemon Jefferson. Lightnin' Hopkins developed a special way of playing the guitar by himself, often using his thumb to play bass notes while his fingers played melodies. This made it sound like more than one person was playing.
His Music Style
Lightnin' Hopkins played a type of music called country blues. This style often features one singer and one guitar player. His songs were usually about everyday life, feelings, and stories from his experiences. He was also known for making up songs on the spot, which is called improvising. This made every one of his performances unique and exciting. He played both acoustic (unplugged) and electric guitars throughout his career.
A Long Career
Lightnin' Hopkins started recording music in the 1940s. He became very popular in the 1960s during a time when many people rediscovered blues music. He traveled all over the world, sharing his music with new fans. Even though he became famous, he always kept his own style and never changed his music just to fit in. He continued to record and perform until he passed away in 1982.
Albums
Lightnin' Hopkins released many albums during his long career. Here are some of them:
- 1959 - Lightnin' Hopkins
- 1959 - Lightnin' and the Blues
- 1960 - Last Night Blues (Bluesville)
- 1960 - Lightnin' (Bluesville)
- 1962 - Walkin' This Road By Myself (Bluesville)
- 1962 - Lightnin' and Co. (Bluesville)
- 1962 - Lightnin' Strikes (Vee Jay)
- 1963 - Blues in My Bottle (Bluesville)
- 1963 - Smokes Like Lightnin' (Bluesville)
- 1963 - Goin' Away (Bluesville)
- 1964 - Down Home Blues (Bluesville)
- 1965 - Hootin' the Blues (Bluesville)
- 1965 - Lightnin' Strikes (Tradition)
- 1965 - The Roots of Lightnin' Hopkins
- 1966 - Soul Blues (Bluesville)
- 1967 - My Life in the Blues (Bluesville)
- 1967 - Original Folk Blues (Kent)
- 1967 - Lightnin'! (Arhoolie)
- 1968 - Freeform Patterns (International Artists)
- 1991 - Swathmore Concert Live, 1964
- 1995 - Po' Lightning
- 1999 - The Very Best of Lightnin' Hopkins
Images for kids
-
Gold Star promotional photograph, 1948
See also
In Spanish: Lightnin' Hopkins para niños
