Thats the beauty of music sir. Im only 24 and i feel like music is the closest thing i have to a time machine. When i listen to old beatles song it bring me back to being 4 years old with my late father singing in the car. Im sure you can relate somehow. God bless
@@TSharpx Thanks , you made my day. It is a pity that we didnt meet in the 60s to see Lightnin in Brussels or Antwerp. Young people like you will carry the blues for future generations. I am sure you can relate to that. Keep in touch. Paul
I asked a dear late friend one time, many years ago, who his favourite Blues player was. He was a total Charlie Parker-bebop freak, next to that, SRV-and I turned him onto Ronnie Earl (by the time he passed he had every Ronnie Earl album made at the time-quite a few) and so I kinda thought I knew what his answer would be. So I was surprised when he thought for a while and said “Lighting Hopkins.” I thought he was funnin’ me. His place used to be like a tavern for a select group of aficionados and we listened to Blues while arguing the world issues for over 25 years. I inherited his music collection-no Lightning Hopkins in the lot (about eight boxes of vinyl and a couple boxes of CDs. I just remember his conviction, the way he thought about it, just me and him having a beer on a hot afternoon. Then he said, “Lightning’s the real Blues-Stevie Ray, Willie Dixon, Howlin Wolf were all great Bluesmen, but Hopkins was the real deal, natural, country Blues-kinda like how you play it: nice and simple with feeling.” That blew me away. I just never thought I’d ever hear anything like that! So I says: “Get serious! Me? No way!” And he said, “where’d you learn that kinda shuffle and lead thing you do, then?” He was an astute musicologist, my-our friend was. Somehow he knew-and swear, I never told him-that I musta listened to a lot of Sam Hopkins at some point. And here I almost forgot: I did play the grooves offa a couple of Hopkins’ LPs, way back before my friend and I ever met. So whenever I lay down some shuffle (like last week for a seniors’ lunch on our little island), I always remember my friend whom I miss a lot. And Sam “Lightning Hopkins.” That’s where I learned how to shuffle. Forever indebted. XO
Ain't nothin special, just one of the greatest bluesmen in history at his best. He don't need a dozen foot pedals or an orchestra he does it all just right. No wonder all the real blues players mention his name when asked for their influences, there are a lot of great ones but he is right up there in the top drawer, the very top drawer.
Lightning Hopkins influenced EVERY blues guitarist to ever play the music....and if you watched and listened to him....there is no doubt he was a rock star.
That's a H town hombre throwing down. . He used to run the country side when it was all country side... From downtown to rosharron and Galveston to North side. Playing in the wards of Houston area with other greats. The one and only and legend... poor old lightnin'
Jimmy Vaughn recently said in an interview that there would be no Jimmy Vaughn or Stevie Ray Vaughan without a Lightnin Hopkins. Lightnin Hopkins influenced all our music we listen to today. You can hear him in the Stone's Led Zeppelin The Beatles and on and on... possibly the greatest, no positively the greatest!
He was brilliant & influential no doubt, But there were a fair few others.. Robert Johnson, Bill Broonzy, Fred Macdowell, Howlin Wolf & Muddy, Jimmy Reed amongst others
There’s an American guy who has been struck 5 times by lightning, he said there was once a thunderstorm and everyone present started backing away from him.
This is one of, or the, last performances by Sam "Lightnin" Hopkins. He influenced an entire generation of blues, rock, and blues-rock musicians. In many ways he was the Grandaddy of Rock 'n Roll.
@@LoneWolf-McWeed John Lee was also influential, and Bo Didley and dozens of others. Hooker had that "Crawlin Kingsnake" mystique. I was mentored by one of Lightnin Hopkins' guitarists and I can tell you, he was absolutely revered by other players. His name was spoken in hushed awed tones, the was Earl Scruggs was among banjo pickers. Maybe I'm biased, but I think they're ALL great !!
Ohhh yessss!... some good ole real blues, a bottle of Jack Daniels, a pack of smokes, sitting on the porch, looking at the stars. Ah, so relaxing... Thanks for this terrific video!!!
The name of the song is Mojo Hand and don't forget he had a brother that was called Thunder, Frank Frost told me that about twenty years ago at King Biscuit Blues Festival in West Helena Arkansas. Centerville, Texas was home. One of the best.
This man is LEG-EN-DAIRY! This whole video is like a clinic in pure deep-rooted blues (both guitar and vocal). The section from 6:05 to 10:30 by itself teaches everything there is to know about Blues in E. Just incredible
Don matejek, I got same taste as you, lightnin and gatemouth, two of my favourites I discovered some time ago on you tube. Especially gatemouth, he is incredible.
Don Matejek In the Land of Leadbelly and T-Bone Walker (Texas/Arkansas/Louisiana) Lightnin’ and Gatemouth are up there along with the heavy cats, hardly the monarchs, though.
Notice how he used distortion on several occasions in this performance. Truly at the top of the Blues food chain. God Bless him for being so unique and real to the core. RIP Sam you were like no other!
Awesome and most definitely one of my favorites. When I was just a lad I used to notice my granddaddy and my uncle sitting on the front porch reminiscing and trying to sing his music. One song I remember was Mr. Charlie. My Uncle say's that him and Lightnin Hopkins were friends riding around together in Houston once upon a time. Both of whom are gone on but their memories linger on. RIP!
Lightning Sam Hopkins and his brother Joel Squatty Hopkins. Were dear and close friends to, and of my great grandfather John B. Orr. He had a large farm outside of Centerville Texas. I learned all about playing music, and capturing an audience from Lightning Hopkins. He taught me how to take advantage of a guitar. I am an old man now. With Lung Cancer. Living day by day. I dream about riding my pinto pony Clyde Barrow and having a cool drink of water and fresh biscuits with honey and butter. Piping hot and strong coffee and country bacon with Boss Lightning and Boss Joel Hopkins. God bless their eternal souls. They were my beloved friends and my teachers and mentors.....
Dig it. A real bluesman took interest in me, teaching me blues guitar. Only person I ever let show me anything. He was working as a janitor in Charlotte, said he toured with Lightnin' Hopkins. He called him "Sam". He was a good man.
That's Gospel fact. Poor Lightning Sam Hopkins was the King of Doweling St. He was the very last of the old breed. He could sing about picking cotton, and pulling corn. And working upon chain gangs. Because Lightning Sam Hopkins had lived that hard harsh life. And he had the ankle scars from his Shackles to prove it too. I adored Poor Lightning. He was my beginning with guitar. And open tuned blues. In the Texas tradition. I miss Sam Hopkins, and Joel Squatty Hopkins most muchly. God bless their eternal Souls. God bless Mrs. Lola Ann Cullum. She bought me my first store bought tropical weight sharkskin suit. And a fine white linen suit and some Lucchasse Black Lizard Cowboy boots. God bless her fine eternal soul. As the blessed Angels attend her in Heaven.
@@stevetessier6568 I love lightnin Hopkins, thanks to youtube I discovered him. The other names you mention, I not sure off, but thanks for the names, I will listen to them some time.
It has been said that he always played in the key of E. It is truly amazing because he made ever single song sound different and unique. Only a true artist could pull that off!
He played in A as well, its because he was a master at using the bass strings to keep the groove while soloing himself. Most blues in acoustic are in E or A because of standard tuning. Then ofc you have the common Key of g when using g blues in open g tuning.
Nothing new can compare to this. I don’t know what’s up with this everything sounds the same so called blues now days. These older blues men all are so unique, and their rhythm players add so much. I love this guy.
See Damon Fowler, Selwyn Birchwood, Mike Zito, Nick Moss Band, Monster Mike Welch, Albert Castiglia Samantha Fish, Danielle Nicole, Nick Schneblen The Next Gen of Blues is Alive and Rockin!
Since our Bone Daddy, the original Sportsphile, has seen Lightnin' live on 4 different occasions.....and he agrees with you..."this cat knows his shit and got it down".
One of a kind blues man no doubt. I love how he plays clean undistorted music. No pedals to enhance tone. Just his two hands doin what they supposed to
@@conniewolf7300 Listen closely at the 8:20 mark. "You know I went to church last night.......and they called on me to pray."....@9:42, "and I make shit up......Classic Lightnin. love this guy.
@@gtsipejr Making Shit up,that will look good later on.. When time comes to go home.. What is that remark again .. Austin City Limits homes? Well Mr. Hopkins,let me refresh your memory.. You was talking bout your mama..being sanctified.. When you talked to the preacher.. You know you lied..
Gil, we at Imasportsphile web page are glad you enjoyed one of the 2300 vintage videos that we currently have posted on our site....cuz we believe talents like Lightnin's deserve to be remembered forever.
Great to see and hear Hopkins playing electric. Man was he great or what? What a voice, style and technique. Where is the real blues today? Where are the lightnin hopkins of today? Do we miss him or what.
Loved Sam Hopkins. When I turned 18 in 1972 and could go to clubs where alcohol was served, I went to see Lightnin' perform in Houston whenever he would perform. Very special artist. Best show I saw was at Liberty Hall on Chenevert St. in August 1976 when Lightnin' lead off a show for James Cotton. It was his birthday and he was late to arrive and the crowd was irrate. Lightnin' came on and calmed down the crowd with a killer performance. Long live Lightnin'.
a man who took the time to play a few songs with a couple of poor boys trying to learn how at the San Diego folk festival in 72 and 73... carrying my guitar and my best friend with the hottest blues harp on the west coast... two years running... he told us the story of his name.. and his quick reflexes.. awesome man.. the music lives on.. some people just gotta boogie
@@Grathom15 he made some records early on(which I admit I've never heard) with a guy called Thunder Smith. Exciting records apparently, which led someone to call them Thunder and Lightning. That's what I read anyway, wish I HAD seen him, never mind met him.
Quite likely the most crucial and riveting 16 minutes and 30 seconds of viewing I have yet seen on RU-vid. Lightnin' - The most OG of the Bluesman and most gracious too at the same time. Top shelf from beginning to end, Love this!!!🌩⭐❤
This cat layin it down all smooth and textured. This cat just probably got paid and like every one feared. Went out an bought a fifth and a nice suit. Puttin everyone to shame playin that ax lol
Mississippi Blues Travellers, thanks for your comment....for if you visit our webpage at ImaSportsphile, you will finds many many vintage music videos that you probably have never seen....that are just as good as this one.....as our Bond Daddy, the original Sportsphile lived in Austin, TX for many years and saw Lightning Hopkins at Antone's Club on 6th Street many time....and he says that man could really play the blues.
The blues had a baby - and they called it rock'n'roll. Long before Little Richard and Chuck Berry rocked America, we had legendary bluesmen Muddy Waters, John Lee Hooker, T-Bone Walker, B.B. King, Lightnin' Hopkins, Willie Dixon, Bobby Blue Bland, Sister Rosetta Tharpe, Blind Willie McTell and many, many more. en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sister_Rosetta_Tharpe.
The Blues Had a Baby and They Named It Rock and Roll by Brownie McGhee. BB King said that back in the 1940s only a few of the originators of the blues was on national TV. It was Brownie and Sonny Terry, and it was Sonny Boy Williamson and Robert Lockwood Jr (stepson of Robert Johnson who died in 1938). (Source: BBC Arena Blues Night Ep1: Sonny Boy Williamson Sings (BBC4), BB King himself). King Biscuit Time (1942, 1952) ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-w6v-hz3ER0c.html&feature=emb_title This is silent film from 1942 showing Sonny Boy Williamson II (then known as Willie "Rice" Miller in the Black community) and Robert Lockwood Jr. This is the earliest footage of any kind for a major identified blues man. Together they were playing amplified harp and guitar as early as 1938 (about six years before Muddy Waters even owned an electric guitar). They played it through juke boxes & car radios. Told by Bill Donoghue, aka Fessor Mojo.
@@MTB_Skier For me Rock n Roll started with this lady together with this great guy: Sister Rosetta Tharpe and Albert Ammons ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-kcpgTzDpW-Q.html live in 1938
He was Boss! Did not play a boring ass one two buckle my shoe style. Damn right he changed chords and counts when he felt the need to do so. Great blues man, he was.
He has his own distinctive style (the twang) for his blues. So different from the Chicago blues that I grew up on in the 1960's. I love Lightnin's voice too, that smooth drawl. I have several LPs on vinyl from the old days. Still in rotation.
I read a quote from a guitar publication 30 plus years ago ...quote..."I learned all them sons a bitches how to play"...I cant argue...this is the shit!...
