1. Sam Lightnin’ Hopkins
Blues Sensation

2. “Texas Country Bluesman”
 Sam Hopkins was born on March 15th, 1912
in Centerville Texas.

3. The Famous One
 Hopkins’ musical career spanned 50 years,
from the 1920’s to the 1980’s.
 Hopkins’ career began after meeting and
partnering with blues legend Blind Lemon
Jefferson.
 Though both of his brothers, John Henry and
Joel were talented bluesmen, Hopkins
became famous.

4. Musical Style
 Lightnin’ Hopkins’ style mixed his solo,
soulful, bluesy voice with complex electric or
acoustic riffs played by Hopkins himself.
 Hopkins was primarily a solo artist.

5. “The Master Storyteller”
 Hopkins was an exceptional lyricist, often
improvising.
 He rarely recorded more than one take, no
matter the record company’s prestige.

6. Record Label
 In1946, Aladdin Records was the first
recording company to sign Lightnin’ Hopkins.

7. Lightnin’ Strikes!
 After being discovered by Aladdin Records,
Hopkins was paired with the pianist Wilson
“Thunder” Smith, and thus the name
“Lightnin’” was born.

8. The Music
 “Katie Mae Blues” was Hopkins’ first original
hit, recorded in the first session with Aladdin
Records.
 After that, he settled in Houston, Texas and
produced many additional hits, some of
which are discussed in the following slides.

9. Katie Mae Blues
 http://www.youtube.com/watch?
v=FPjd_oQby_c
 “Katie Mae Blues” showcases distinct blues
vocal style. It is easy to hear Hopkins’ guitar
mastery.
 In the background, Wilson “Thunder” Smith
can be heard on the piano.

10. Leavin’ Blues
 http://www.youtube.com/watch?
v=5Mpgaz87xo0
 Here Lightnin’ demonstrates lyrical blues
expertise, and superb talent on the electric
guitar. I am personally an acoustic fan, but I
love the soul in this song.

11. Mr. Charlie pts. 1 & 2
 http://www.youtube.com/watch?
v=dNAtdq_ean4
 This song is an example of Lightnin’ Hopkins’
distinct “storytelling” lyrical style. Much of the
song is simply talking, and the guitar and
percussion join in later on.

12. Baby Please Don’t Go
 http://www.youtube.com/watch?
v=d49m6G9vOrI
 A video show casing Hopkins’ solo acoustic
performing style

13. Mojo Hand
 http://www.youtube.com/watch?
v=W4IS0TDcYEs
 One of Hopkins’ most famous songs,
recorded in the 1960’s.
 The boogie style was very influential to blues.

14. Hopkins in Lights
 Lightnin’ Hopkins was inducted into the Blues
Hall of Fame two years before he died in
1982.

15. Influence
 Lightnin’Hopkins is said to be one of
Houston’s most influential blues singers in
history.
 Hopkins’ music was “colorblind and unifying.”
 Below is a link to a film about Lightnin’
Hopkin’s influence in music and the
community.
 http://www.wherelightninstrikes.com/

16. Influence
 As said in the video, many famous artists like
B. B. King and Jimi Hendrix were influenced
by Lightnin’ Hopkins’ music.

17. Works Cited:
 http://www.allmusic.com/artist/lightnin-hopkins-mn0
 http://www.wherelightninstrikes.com/
 http://www.mojohand.com/lightnin-hopkins-
biography.htm

18. Works Cited (pictures):
 Lesblank.com
 http://www.allmusic.com/artist/lightnin-
hopkins-mn0000825208
 bebopwinorip.blogspot.com
 rubbercityreview.com
 bluesguitarunleashed.com