Search - Lightnin' Hopkins :: Best of Lightnin Hopkins

The rediscovery of Sam 'Lightnin'' Hopkins (1912-1982) at the peak of the blues revival established this then-obscure singer and guitarist as one of the most compelling and idiosyncratic poets of the rural idiom. Whether covering standards or creating original narratives, playing electric or acoustic, fronting a band or by himself, in the studio or in person, Hopkins cast a spell that marked him as one of the blues immortals. His numerous Prestige/Bluesville recording sessions allowed Hopkins to display every facet of his art, and are surveyed here, highlighted by samples of his classic encounter with harmonica master Sonny Terry; several signature story lines; and his impromptu tribute to an American astronaut.