Blues Artists

Samuel John “Lightnin'” Hopkins (1912-1982) was one of the great 20th century blues guitarists and vocalists. Rolling Stone magazine has placed him at #71 on its list of 100 Greatest Guitarists; Eddie Van Halen is at #70, Joni Mitchell is at #72.

Lightnin’ Hopkins was born in Centerville, Texas and was taught guitar by Blind Lemon Jefferson.

Here is a map showing the location of Centerville, Texas:


Here are some websites with more information on Lightnin’ Hopkins:

Here are some videos of Lightnin’ Hopkins:

A Seattle TV station made a number of videos of bluesmen (other include Son House, John Lee Hooker, Mississippi Fred McDowell) in the early 1960’s. Here is their video of Lightnin’ Hopkins (divided into Parts 1 and 2).

Baby Please Don’t Go, circa 1965

Here’s a lesson by Stefan Grossman on how to play Baby Please Don’t Go:

Let’s Pull A Party, circa 1970

That Woman Named Mary, circa 1975

Mr. Charlie, Do You Know Your Rolling Mill Is Burning Down, circa 1975

Here’s a short documentary on Lightnin’ Hopkins featuring Jimmie Vaughan and B.B. King:

Appearing on Austin City Limits, 1979:

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