Sam “Lightnin'” Hopkins
March 15, 1912 – January 30, 1982
Meeting Blind Lemon Jefferson at the age of eight was likely the moment that sent Lightnin’ Hopkins down the blues highway. But it wasn’t until 1946 that Hopkins got his break when he was convinced by Aladdin Records to go to Los Angeles to record with pianist Wilson Smith. It was the beginning of one of the most prolific runs in music history, as Hopkins made as many as 1000 recordings over the course of his career, believed to be the most of any bluesman. During the ’60s, Hopkins benefited from the blues and folk revival that lead to him playing alongside Pete Seeger and Joan Baez at Carnegie Hall. Lightnin’ Hopkins died of cancer on January 30, 1982. He was 69 years old.
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