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!

This genius let me feel 20 years old while i am 77. This is magic.

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.

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

Every time you listen to Lightning, Lightning strikes again.

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.

My Grandma And Lightning Hopkins Are First Cousin Ms Lucille Hopkins You Both RIp And My Madea Love Some Samuel Hopkins Sing It My Cousin

Amazing! His phrasing is impeccable. The timing is so spot on. One of the best ever.

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

One of the greatest musicians ever.

Lightning doesn't strike in the same place twice. There will truly only ever be one Lightning Hopkins. Peace. Out.

Much love from New Orleans this man’s my favorite bluesman so far

I'm so fortunate to get a chance to hear this man when I was a young man him and all of the legendary heroes I so loved

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.

i love you ever mr the Great legend . you know i just went there where you are sleeping with peace !

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!!!

Damn, I need a doctor.... I've been struck by LIGHTNING.🎸⚡🌩

That guy is a LEGEND

Even if he tried to mess up it would sound good… What a treasure we’ve got in these recordings…

And he promise the earth to me..and I believe him...only promise that came true;)

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!

Lightnin' and Gatemouth Brown, ruled Texas blues!

The greatest of them all as far as Blues Music is concerned. My man anytime , any day. With much love from Nigeria.

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.....

He has always been my favorite bluesman.it's just something about the way he plays that guitar and the way he sings just love him.god rest his soul.

The quintessential dark blues bar room musician. You can picture the dim lights, cigarette smoke, scotch whiskey glasses...

He is one of my favorites and his voice makes him unique

Rest in power cousin Lightning Hopkins. Never to be forgotten ⚘

To me THIS MAN is the goddamn king of cool!

Mike Bloomfield called him the king of the blues !

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.

Sorry all the rest This right here is the FATHER of The Blues!!!!!!!!

Good night Mr Sam Hopkins ! And thank you sir

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.

I’d never seen him play a strat before. And he does it good.

The coolest bluesman ever

These cats up here talking about Lightnin' know his shit? He damn near invented this shit!!!!

Amazing live footage, this guy is a true pioneer 👍

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!

Lightnin Hopkins the pride of Centerville TX!

You've heard the rest, now listen to the best‼️

These old blues men were The Godfather’s of Rock & Roll. Hopkins Waters Wolf Dixon all of the great ones.

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

And a big hand for drummer and bass player! Great feel!

I can't sit still listening old Lightning got, to move around a little. 😅

If a music fan does not know Lightning it is not his fault but it is a crime of the new era really....just a legend!!

My grandma cousin had a juck joint in 1966 many memories

This is bad ass ! To see the man doin it ! Wow ! Lightning has been a hero of mine for a very long time!

The man is a L E G E N D !!!

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'.

Nobody and i mean nobody can tell me there is anybody cooler than ole lightnin

Jimmy Nailed It… The original blues performer.. Lightning Hopkins

Miss this tremendously ❣Smooth listening, history being told in a song , all avenues 💓

I got to see him many long years ago in Chi-Town. He was the 1st bluesman I became a fan of.

One of the greatest

Just another incredibly great Texas musician and if you looking really close and in the right places you can still find them out there today

Lightning is the dogs bollex on any guitar, the man was magic xxx

Just plain good period!!! Original!!! Paved the way for many who followed him and believe me he didn't lead them wrong!!!😃

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

BB King said Lightnin was a big influence on him. And I love it when Lightnin says he just made shit up when asked to pray.

Lightning Hopkins was a natural blues man.

I do get the impresion this cat knows his shit , he has got it down man has he got it down. Lightnin strike.

To see him play electric and he still sounds just like Lightning’!!

Thumbs way up Mr lightning and the bass player to to know when to change chords fantastic Blues the best

Phenomenal absolutely great exceptional Blues Man

Quite likely the most crucial and riveting 16 minutes and 30 seconds of viewing I have yet seen on KZfaq. Lightnin' - The most OG of the Bluesman and most gracious too at the same time. Top shelf from beginning to end, Love this!!!🌩⭐❤

I was at this show. And I saw him the night before at the Armadillo World Headquarters and was pure magic.

A cool dude and a great bluesman...

Spettacolare, I can't stop listening to his songs. Thanks Sam

After this video I needed a cigarette...And I don't even smoke.

R. I. P. SAM🎸🇨🇱 "Lightning" HOPKINS

I have been there, your site is doing us all a major service and please keep up the good work. Thanks again

Listening to my dad makes me appreciate him more. Love u Lightning and miss.u so much.

Damn he could bend a string, RIP Lightning

he was the man back then and steel rolling 2020 in Miami what a great blues man we missing him very much

"Lightnin changes when Lightnin want to change" - Lightnin' Hopkins

He was like thunder, He was like lightning...and when he struck it was frightening!

You don't need thunder when you got lightnin.🤟

Lightning is so cool. Gotta love the man and his music.

See the sun, see the moon, tell me which one sheds more light on you.

@ 1:30 .... white lady yawnin'..... Lightnin' glarin' LOL

Holy Mother of God this is INCREDIBLE!!!!

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.

Good video. I hadn't seen this one before. Thanks for posting this.

Wearing that hat and that outfit. One bad cat indeed. Older, but still so good.

..sAW hIM AT A little club off congress ave in Austin,Texas,1965....he played sitting down just like now...;;--)),,,,,,,,,,,

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.

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

For those tone heads, this is it, straight up from the center

A great performer

Simple but true music

The king of blues

That pocket is so deep he can make the whole band sound rushed or late at will. Commanding performance! I wanna play like that when I grow up!

lightnin with strat - cool

We have lightnin hopkins an on repeat : -D ; -D

How cool is the name. LIGHTENING HOPKINS.

I want to see a movie made about Lightnin Hopkins life.

Thank you so much! The greatest Blues and Rocknroll master. i still dream that i was over there

a cut above all..............immortal ..........