Sam Hopkins passed away on Janury 30, 1982 at the age of 69. A mere 61 days after his last performance. If you're a blues fan I don't think I need to mention how important this recording is.
- Instrumental Blues
- I Was Dreaming
- Katie Mae
- Instrumental Blues #2
- My Babe
- Black and Evil
- Mr. Charlie
- Instrumental Blues #3
- Baby Please Don't Go
- Rock Me Baby
- Lightnin' Hopkin' Last Jam
Lightnin' Hopkins - His Last Concert | Full Album (1981).
Date: December 01, 1981.
Venue: Tramp's, New York, USA.
Samuel John "Lightnin'" Hopkins (March 15, 1912 - January 30, 1982) was an American country blues singer, songwriter, guitarist, and occasional pianist, from Centerville, Texas. Rolling Stone magazine ranked him number 71 on its list of the 100 greatest guitarists of all time.
The musicologist Robert "Mack" McCormick opined that Hopkins is "the embodiment of the jazz-and-poetry spirit, representing its ancient form in the single creator whose words and music are one act".
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I been listening to Lightnin for 50 years; he is the master of the blues.
That’s my great uncle
Been listening to Lightning since 1960 - saw him in a jazz club in NYC one time in '62, and 10 years later later in a rock club in San Francisco. His single of Mojo Hand, on the Fire label, was the only country blues record I remember being a hit on R & B radio stations that normally wouldn't program country blues at all. I guess that was the early 60's ? I don't remember what year it came out. I still have the 45 single though.
@@bobaldo2339 making me jealous! What a great memory thanks for sharing!
I am in good company here , have been listening him for the past 57 years :. Come to Istanbul guys we ll jam :)))))
Grande Maestro.... Straordinario eccellenza...2023
We need to keep the blues alive.Forver!
Lighting Hopkins had blues in the heart
I'm almost in tears listening to this, because artists like litnin Hopkins were the true innovators of all modern music and they've been swept under the rug and forgotten about. This is so beautiful to listen to. Thank you for putting this out there!
Classicjam 1 thanks for the comments! I’m the fourth generation of uncle lightning and I feel the same brother
Hopefully not , I’m 54 and have just discovered him . Just fantastic . I bet he was such a cool guy to be around . Lightning Hopkins you will always live on !!
For everybody who loves his music I highly recommend reading 'Lightnin' Hopkins - His Life and Blues'
@@blackjrewing324 Really??? amazing! wonder if you have any blues within :)
I feel the same exactly way about Lightnin brother.
I dreamed I was rich Woke up without a dime I dreamed I loved a woman But you know that woman was not mine
Thanks dude. I might put that on a tee shirt
@@robertbentzel6881 anything you start makin over 10,000 Split it with me
@@neilsthepoet I don’t know what your talking ‘ bout
@@robertbentzel6881 i want buy that t shirt
❤
I was there. Legend.
Listen to the sustain and wonderful tone he produces effortlessly... similar to the way he effortlessly connects with his audience by the end of the second song and builds on that connection between each song. Im not certain i could have lived the life he did and come out of it able to bond with an audience in such an honest, open and light hearted manner. Lightning Hopkins remains a true American treasure, what a talented muscian and down to earth individual.
Many years ago, I walked into this old music store for the first of many times to come. Baltimore's Walker's Music Store. The front of the shop was where you could listen to old recordings in sound booths. 33 and 78 spedd tecords. They had all the early blues guys. Pretty much everything from the early times to current 1950s records. It was blues history heaven. Back of the store was sheet music. They had a lot, and could get anything you wanted. If you could read music, this was treasure. Second floor had the string instrument room. A giant glass enclosed cabinet protected a fine collection. Some new, many old. A few ancient ones. Guitars, basses, banjos, mandolins, violins... If you visited often, you could hear some amazing music. If you hung out, you might get to play with some really fine musicians. Old guys and new. I was lucky to find my first serious guitar in this room. A '52 les paul. It was pretty beat, but sounded so good. Third floor was the music rooms. They offered classes, if you had the money. An old upright honkey tonk piano sat up there. Occasionally, you'd hear someone playing it. There was an old black painted set of pearl drums up there in one room. Pre-WWII symbols. Small kit, but perfect. I heard Charlie Watts play them one night. Memorable. Mr. Fred Walker's Music Store was a haven for musicians of all kinds. I loved my time there; it's where I fell in love with blues and jazz music. The old musicians were always willing to share music.
I love these old sorties in the comments sections.
@@itsthatsebguy93 So do I. They are truly a pleasure as is the music.
sOUNDS LIKE Heaven to me, ill put it on my list . Thks.
I do believe this was the longest KZhead Post I've ever read in full ( At least while remaining interested, and I'm still trying to picture that place) That all sounds incredible. PreWar Cymbals Charlie Watts, damn. Awesome
Beautiful memories. Thank you for sharing. Wish life were more that way now
My absolute favourite!!! Love to Lightnin`🙂 I listen to Lightnin` every day. Now I learn my granddaughter, 8 months old, to appreciate the real thing: The Blues!
A True Man of The Blues! Everybodies Blues! Soak your Soul in the Best of the Best Liniment and your Pain Disappears! Lightin Hopkins will not be replaced in this Cruel World. Lord Shine your Sun on this Blues Genius Forever!
The blues is the universal thing, i'm from Finland and i heard Lightnin' for the first time when i was about sixteen years old in the early 80's and been listening to him ever since. He's the greatest. :-)
Lighting is one bad man he is The real deal I have been playing The harp for forty years nobody makes music like this anymore
@@richardsciacca924 He was The Baddest, still he made some of the most beautiful music ever on this earth. :-)
@@sriiski you got that right 👍
@@arland644 I've been wondering that by myself too. I'm glad that I found old blues and country back then. There were a few radio programs In Finland that played this stuff. :-)
@@arland644 No problem. All the good for you. :-)
Thank GOD someone recorded this last epic show... rest in peace Sam...
I’m a harmonica player, but wished this one, stayed home this night
I was there at Tramps. it was a club off Union Square. If I recall correctly, Hopkins did 6 sets, two a night for three nights. I caught two sets. Thirty-nine years ago. Wow.
This is the music that got me started over 60 years ago. This and Howlin' Wolf's Smokestack Lightnin'...
I followed you 3 years later :)))
I was lucky enough to get tickets for this show. Tramps was The hangout for rockers then. MinkdeVille , Keith Richards, etc.
the sun gonna shine on our life...some days.
I named my son Sam after Lightnin'
Did you name him Sam or Lightnin'?
I named him Sam but I call him Lightnin!!! 😊 he loves it
@@chrisdouglass8377 Do both of you play guitar?
I was walking out of a convenient store and saw a CD on the rack and said that must be some awesome blues. It had a picture of Lightnin’ Hopkins on the cover. A totally random act and purchase. That was 25 years ago. I put it in my CD player and was amazed and loved him ever since.
I was born at the right time to hear this ...
Lightnin' Hopkins - Master of LIFE !
Definitely one of the greatest Bluesmen of all time! He was in a class of his own & also a class act. Nothing like this around today. RIP Lightnin' you are sorely missed by all.
Lightin was 69 years old in 1982 when he died in houston texas his home town of esophageal cancer. A protege of Blind Lemon Jefferson, and A Pure Texas Treasure. Sadly missed . definitely my favorite musician.
Mine too Ive been tryin Guitar Lightnin since I first heard it 57 years ago. :))))
I think Thelonious Monk probably said it best..."A Genius is the one most like himself"... Lightnin Hopkins voice and guitar are completely the heart and soul of Sam Hopkins..
And furthermore I grew up listening to Clapton (I remember exactly when I was the first time I walked in to his talent). I also saw Hendrix and all those great 60s bands, but yes I learned so much from Lighting. As a friend of mine said keep it tasteful. As a footnote, Peter Green. Saw Fleetwood once in a pub The Swan in Crystal Palace south London, UK y’all. I left with my ears ringing.
Last jam sounds like Hendrix woke up this morning found myself dead, R.I.P. beautiful lighting
I first heard Lightnin Hopkins on the Down South Summit LP, with Brownie McGhee, Sonny Terry and Big Joe Williams. I saw Lightnin live in a small Cafe in Berkeley, with Sonny Terry. Monumental
Very cool. Lightnin for me was that cool Uncle that taught me how to play guitar and taught me the admiration of a big Black Caddilac, with them white wall tires...
Can you please post your playing. It will be like seeing him again...
I’m whiter than a mother trucking bed sheet but let me spill my guts…these black mother trucking cats invented modern music as we know it through hardship, poverty and mother trucking god fearing love - these cats are the Greek gods in a world gone by ❤️
The Best Bluesman.
TX knows somethin' bout the Blues!
Had not been listening lighting for about ten years ago his music draw me in he could slow the blues and down and speed them up
I'm so proud of my taste in music
Jerry ,Jimi , Janis , Johnny W. , Muddy ,Howlin ,Houndog T. ,Lighten , S . TERRY , GEORGE Jones . , + 30 more . Sing a Tune , Dance a Dance ,
So many music aficionados would echo that sentiment but nobody would actually say it. Love it!
Lightnin fue un excelente maestro del blues ,y es un honor escuchar èsta su ùltima actuaciòn. Soy un fanàtico de su mùsica y es ,para mì, uno de los màs grandes intèrpretes del blues. Gracias por permitirme escuchar parte de su gran obra!!!.
De donde es usted?
@@charliebarcampos776 De Argentina... Por...?.
ligthning hopkins is awesome
If there's any body out there can make you feel and love the blues.lightin Hopkins could.he was just that good.his singing was out this world and his picking that guitar was insanely great.may God rest his soul.see you later lighting Hopkins but never good bye
This is why I have mad respect for these cats. Not even Throat/Larynx Cancer could hold lightnin' down. He sounds so tired and sick, but only true bluesmen understand that this music is healing. No matter what you got going on, the blues can always help ease ones problems. Thank you Mr. Hopkins, inspiring as hell...
You are 100% right. Lightnin's music teaches and has a song for everything.
JD Bluesman,Man you SAID THAT RIGHT,DAMN LIGHTIN WAS THE BLUES and His Music Still ROLLS.I live in Memphis,and back like in the Early Seventies to maybe as late as 83 or so,.I went down on Beale St,very few of my friends would go there,But damn,I COULD not resist that Music and other things,Fury Lewis kind of introduced me to THAT,AND l Miss Him Dearly,Lightin is or was a Lot Like Him.Been addicted to the Blues ,ever since.Memphis in May when Stevie Ray was still with us,l would be in the Blues Tent and Then Stevie would close out the 3 day show,Sunday Night;Got to know Fury Lewis damn well before he passed,gave me TICKETS to THE ROLLLING STONES WHEN FURY,AND ELLA FITZGERALD PLAYED WITH THEM,THAT SHOW AT MID -SOUTH COLISEUM, ALMOST DIDN'T HAPPEN,FURY WENT MISSIN,FOR A WHILE,BUT HE TORE THE HOUSE DOWN THAT NIGHT,THINK IT WAS 1978,SOME GIRLS TOUR,MAYBE TAATOO YOU,DON'T REMEMBER THINGS SO WELL ANYMORE,ANYWAY,TAKE CARE AND STAY WELL AND SAFE!!WALTER BMemphis.🎸☝️👍🇺🇲💯
@@annbugbee5623 Memphis is a beautiful spot. My profile picture is actually a photo of me when I went to Beale St. For the 1st time, met Mr. Sam Wiggins, aka Blacksmoke, and he let me play some. Theres a certain magic down there that just can not be found many other places. Thanks for sharing your story!
@@jdbluesman7305 You Too,Remember Blacksmoke ,MR.SAM.WIGGINS,I saw a lot of the older Bluesmen ,back then,Some were from Chicago and The Delta.Beale Street has definately changed,Now.All the bearded up buildings and such,But to be honest,Memphis has become a Very violent and dangerous place,Such a shame.Hell l LIKED it THE WAY IT USED TO BE,peole minded their own business and such.Anyway,Love your story to.We are pretty much locked down here,This Damn Virus.TAKE CARE AND STAY WELL AND SAFE JD BLUESMEN. Walter B.Memphis. 😛☠🌠🌎💯Magic STILL THEIR THOUGH,But not as Easy To Findso many PEOPLE GONE!!!
maybe the people that robbed them of their masters and publishing rights, made them have to work until death, while leaving their families in poverty and at the same time making their own kids rich.... just maybe.
Thank you so much for spreading the art of Hopkins. Was such an huge influencer of actually everything we know in the music industry today. Never forget him. Cheers
Jimi and you on my heart.... R. I. P my heros. 🌹💐🎸👏🎼🌈🙏🌷... Jimi 56 Verona
God bless you and rest in peace big man. What a soothing tone this man has, and I say ‘has’ cause his voice and music are eternal
Those that disliked this can go on a one way trip to hell. Hopkins is one of the greats.
Couldn’t agree more! Albert King said “If you don’t dig the blues you’ve got a hole in your soul”. I say if you don’t like Sam “Lightnin” Hopkins you don’t have a soul!
Ya, he is great but these generic dudes behind are him kind of banal, cliche, and tedious.
@@mlwsf AGREED, Mark Putnam!!!!Walter B.Memphis. 🎸☝️👍💯🥂
cant believe i just got here!
If there's any body out there can make you feel and love the blues.lightin Hopkins could.he was just that good.his singing was out this world and his picking that guitar was insanely great.may God rest his soul.see you later lighting Hopkins but never good bye .
He was the number one and the best blues man ever. R.I.P Lightnin
He was the last, and certainly one of the very best, of the country bluesmen. I had a chance to visit with him between sets at a gig in (NYC 1962) when I was a young man - a real privilege.
I would agree.
im not died (damn)
Josh white BB King Bo Diddly Lil Willie. John...... Many more
Albert King MOJO hand Many more
They don't make men like Sam Lightnin Hopkins anymore. Lightnin was through with cool before anyone knew what to do with cool. Lightnin once said: "The Blues is something that the people's can't get rid of because the Blues is kinda hard to explain. Sorry of like death. But whenever you have a dad said feeling about your girl left you, your broke. Man, you can tell the whole wide world you ain't got nothin but the Blues." If I could say one thing to Lightnin it would be that I want to say thank you for inspiring me to pick up the guitar.
Musicans were really backing him up, you can feel the respect and comprehension behind him. Thanks for sharing
As a teenage vagabond musician I hitched a ride with a black truck driver (about 1970) from Wildwood, Florida. As we started out he put in an 8 track tape. "Hey Lighting Hopkins." I yelled over the pounding roar of the diesel. "How a white boy like you know Lightning Hopkins?" "He's one of my heroes." I said. "He's my uncle" the driver said. Later when we stopped to eat I saw on the door of his Allied Van Jimmy Hopkins... He was indeed Lighting's nephew.
THIS is blues! Thank you Lightnin!!!!!!!!
I'm generally not a massive fan of 'country blues', I tend to gravitate towrds more rocky blues., but Lightnin, I constantly return to , I have no idea why I like him so much, he just seems to have 'presence' and gives me the shivers Even other greats like Robert Johnson, leadbelly Son House, Blind Lemon, John Lee etc I can listen only for 20-30 mins before I lose interest/get bored. But Lightnin I can listen all day long. I would have loved to have seen him live, but by the time I'd heard of him he was well past dead.
Old Sam “Lightnin’ has his mojo foeva’ mo’!
Never heard him play like this. Lots more improvisation than usual. Awesome!
While he may have lost some dexterity, this if anything only pushes him to give a master class in how these so-called "simple" materials can be a source of endless invention and wonder. His vocals are great, too.
Nobody plays the blues like him.. the true link between rocknroll and blues... and with no credit in the new generations..
To think guys like this were self taught. Brilliant
Taught by blind lemon jefferson.
@@bignoyz4111 Damn Right,and taught Sam Lightin Hopkins,Well,Walter B.Memphis 😛🌠🌎💯
NOW THIS IS HEARTFELT MUSIC, NOT THE POP,RAP CRAP MUSIC THEY LISTEN TO NOW,IT,S NOT EVEN REAL MUSIC, GIVE ME B.B,F.KING ALBERT KING,A.COLLINS,JIMI,SRV. NEED I SAY MORE.🎸😎🎵🔊 BOB.
MY BROTHER YA SAID IT ALL 👍🎶🎸
Give it a rest grandad, plenty of good music is being produced now (just as plenty of crap was produced in the 50s - 70s)
This is an incredible recording no doubt and the musicians on it are great I love this recording. That said Lightnin's best recordings don't have any band. The man was a band unto himself! His soloing style is my very favorite, especially when he was playing without a band. There ain't nobody like Lightnin' around today.
It's all so nice and sweet 😋 really. Tnks to Mr Hopkins, those who keep the blues alive 💙 🙌, PEACE out.
Absolute legend
Rolling Stone magazine might like to readjust their parameters as to what constitutes a guitar player..? Lightning is to the guitar what Miles is to the trumpet.
' Instrumental Blues #2 ' is " Trouble in Mind".
I never like their lists. A lot of it is subjective and depends on personal taste. I'd rank Robert Johnson as #1 because he's influenced blues, rock, jazz, and country. But then Son House influenced Robert Johnson. There's a lot of great Latino guitarists who also get left off the list.
@@cottonwoodslim3497 Yes the Latino guitarist,some of tbem,most of them,are most overlooked..And that ain't right,Walter B.Memphis. 😛🌠🌎💯
Everyone talks about the Three Kings of The Blues, BB, Freddie and Albert and of COURSE they are in their own right but if you want to FEEL the Blues hit you in your chest you need Po’ Lightnin’, Johnny Lee, The Wolf and THE Godfather himself The Muthafuckin’ Mud!
I AGREE WHOLE HEARTEDLY 🎸👏👍
Amen brother
this is the most beautiful thing i’ve ever heard
Best Medicine Ever!!
Lightnin Hopkins , True bluesman !!!!
He was playing in Clarksdale Miss in the late 80's. He was just Setting out side a old store that was built in the early 1900's. There was a few people around listening to him and then word got out he was playing guitar. Cars came from every where to see him and hear him sing and guitar.
Iconic blues musician
This was my first time stumbling upon his music. Kept me hooked for the full video.
Awesome last show Lightnin!
brilliant, great post love and peace jve
Birth of the Rolling Stones right here(and MANY MANY more)
You will never be blessed with another one of him
Proof positive that no matter how fast you can "shred" pentatonic scales, you ain't Sam Hopkins. Lightning really was one of the very best.
Of all the records I own that have changed my life, by far one of the most influential is Hopkin's live from the bird cage theatre.
True Blues Man
Yes Hopkins was great!
Exceptional! It doesn’t get better than this. This is go telling it on the mountain!
Word
Please know somebody the other players? Its the best i heard from him (and had many lps) What a gem!!! I'm speechless..what a testament ! Thank you my dear friend. God bless you
What The Masterpiece !
2019 and this still speaks to me.. That says something..
Le talent ne se démode jamais !!! 🔵⚪🔴
Just came across this one - Lightnin' was one of my first favorite blues guys - back when i first started screwin' around with the harp. He was right there with Sonny & Brownie.
Lightnin has been a joy to me a long time. I was born 1950. vote
Late great Albert King passed 2 days after his last concert in Los Angeles / also 69.
If your heart ain't thumpin', your head ain't bobbin' and your feet ain't stompin', listen closer.
Wolfman's right.lol..this music is rich with so much soul. RIP Lightning.
absolutely indescritible
No Classicjam, they’re not forgotten. Just saw 2 docos in my little town of Aotearoa NZ tonight, one about Manche Lipscomb and another one about Lightnin. I’ve known Lightnin Hopkins since the 80s myself thanks to my bluesy boyfriend at the time. The movie theatre was packed tonight!
Great to hear that!
That's awesome!
Both r from Central Tx. Mr Hopkins 20miles south of here off of I45, very sm town of Centerville Tx. Mr Lipscomb was raised 25 miles north of here on I45, a little community that’s just about gone, called Purdon Tx. I could never decide which I liked best, because their just so great & their own sound.
Awesome Lightnin!!!...harmonica player is great,,,but I wish someone would have told him that Lightinin is the star,,,Don't play on top of him.
Black and im evil You know the same god that made me, that man made everybody else.... 🥶 chills down my spine
Now I know where Elvis Presley got it from. Before he starts singing If I can Dream he's talking and saying the same God that made me, made him too so help your fellow brother along the way. That video is on KZhead.
I haven't listened to Lightnin' in years! I've got a fantastic tape of him lurking in my home state across the Atlantic. Some vital and living music from one of the bards of the blues.
Lightnin' will live forever.
🎶"Mr.Charlie" told me so 🎶 ⚡🌹⚡
He's so much better playing with just himself
DEFINITELY AGREE WITH THAT!!!! WALTER B.MEMPHIS. 🥂👍💯🎸
No need for the wanker on the electric lead guitar. Whoever that was.
@@blewey nope that's for sure
Such Great Music!
They many outhere unknown. Like him or better. Blues all over
je pense que Lightnin Hopkins a légué sa musique à tous les musiciens de blues dans ce dernier concert !!!!!!!
4:41 - Profound. Thanks Mr. LH; I've listen your music and poetry in the last 35 years. (thanks to Blues Café for this treasure).
Imposible tocar mejor la guitarra. Grande entre los grandes lightnin
Life is not fair so we got blues. SF/
All the songs over the decades with a little lighting in it WOW. Thank you
Feb 6th 2022~~~ Thanks for posting!!! (Only 5 minutes in, & I gotta say ... THANX!)