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.
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.
I am 77 years old but 25 in my heart. I remember some of these songs when I danced with my husband. He would be 100 years old this year. I miss him but I have wonderful memories.
I am Mexican.First time o hear the blues I was 13 years old in Mexico City and I fall in love for this beautiful music since then.And I have the privilege to see all this guys in concert 2 years on the road in the Auditorium National of Mexico City.Muddy waters, John lee hoker , B B king , Coco Taylor , Sonny Terry and Browny Mc guee , Sony Boy Williamson , and many more.That was in 1979 and 1981.Thank God for let me be witness of this event in my life.
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 do believe this was the longest RUclips 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
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!
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 !!
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.
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. :-)
@@Purlyday 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. :-)
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...
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!
@@HamboneBlues 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.
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.
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..
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.
I am a Brazilian blues lover and had the privilege of seeing Muddy Waters and B.B. King performing live in concerts on different occasions, here in São Paulo, Brazil. I also went to New Orleans (LA) in 1996 and had a real blues overdose there, as I stayed on the Bourbon Street itself... The 'blues' has been my constant companion for decades and decades and will continue to be until my departure... And of course, LIGHTNIN' HOPKINS has been one of my favorites throughout this entire period...🥰
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.
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.
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...
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.
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!
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
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.
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!
I’m a white Gen X’r who loved old Sam Hopkins. I’ve been listening to him for about 15 years. He’s a part of the root of all the other music I love. How could you not love this stuff? I like other Delta blues too, but lightnin is the one that really touches me. He’s one of my favorite vocalists, but his playing is what really sucked me in.
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 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.
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.
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.
At a hap joint in Clarksdale Miss. Years ago came in and have a drink after a few he seen the guitar hanging on the wall ask the owner if he could try to play. Play it was great . He had a few drinks and played a few. He was great he was there for close to a hour. Then a guy open the bar door and called his name he got up and said thanks and left.
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
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!
Blues is just a great art form. Total respect. Many variations have come about as for as styles. And the talent is excellent from bar bands to headliners. Blues is the foundation of jazz, rock and impart early country music and bluegrass.
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!!!.
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
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!
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.
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.
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.
This is the most amazing sound ever in any show ever performed. Everything just all .. perfectly tuned and mellow tempos so they get me drunk. Takes a hell of a tight/loose rhythm crew to blow with Hopkins, just like it did with Hendrix. who's the line-up?
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.
Yup - its here - its in his feel - its in the emotional connections we hear between songs - everyone deeply in it. Thank you for sharing this recording - it is indeed an important one. These are the creators in every mode and style we creating today go to for inspiration so we can evolve the art to reflect us in the present imagining a better future for more of us. Music has always guided our evolution and when our brave musical innovators stop evolving music so will we as humans stop evolving in my humble opinion.
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!
Lorsque cet album de Lightning ⚡ Hopkins a été livré au publique, j'étais en train de commencer le 2ième année d'uni. When this Last Concert / album was released, I was in my second year, the sophomore year, of Knox College, the Other School of Hard Knox, Knox County, Western Illinois. Surely, an' I ain't callin' nobody Shirley, all the days of my life, I've had the blues 💙, lived the blues.
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 ❤️
Working from home, listening to boom bap and electronic music. Then this. Didn't even realize it was an hr and some long till now. Idk how to explain but this music amazing !
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.
This is after the early record a day stuff, 60s and after the hippie stuff, after a long life and we all saw Les's film on lightnin'. Just a regular supermojo hero at home getting down on the whole town a little high, dark in the blues. Im happy to hear this, didnt know it existed. Just got a fresh crop of blues from the record store - got some old fat possum compilations about chicago and everyone with blind in their name
I was there, my first time at Tramps! THE BEST CLUB. all those Pointdexter shows made me feel like I went to college which I did but this was REAL COLLEGE!
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.
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.
Wonderful story.
cool story bro
❤👏👏👏👏👏👏👏🙏
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 :)))))
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 am 77 years old but 25 in my heart. I remember some of these songs when I danced with my husband. He would be 100 years old this year. I miss him but I have wonderful memories.
❤❤
damn, I'm in love again...😊
thats a big age gap
God blessed you. Always remember ❤
These memories are gold ❤ God bless you and your husband, wherever he is 🙏
I was there. Legend.
I am Mexican.First time o hear the blues I was 13 years old in Mexico City and I fall in love for this beautiful music since then.And I have the privilege to see all this guys in concert 2 years on the road in the Auditorium National of Mexico City.Muddy waters, John lee hoker , B B king , Coco Taylor , Sonny Terry and Browny Mc guee , Sony Boy Williamson , and many more.That was in 1979 and 1981.Thank God for let me be witness of this event in my life.
Beautiful.
isn't music supposed to be for those who enjoy it...what ever genre that it's categorized as...no judgment...😊
...yes, you should be proud...I am, I'm glad I got it at a very young age...😊
Músicas mais que beautiful!
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 RUclips 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
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 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.
Thank GOD someone recorded this last epic show... rest in peace Sam...
We need to keep the blues alive.Forver!
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 👍
@@Purlyday 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. :-)
@@Purlyday No problem. All the good for you. :-)
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!
@@HamboneBlues 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.
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.
Tell us about the life he lived, he was a respected performer.
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..
Yes
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.
do you remember the electric (?) jam happening at the end? who was doing all the fast guitar work? (electric?) .. Lightnin'?
I am a Brazilian blues lover and had the privilege of seeing Muddy Waters and B.B. King performing live in concerts on different occasions, here in São Paulo, Brazil. I also went to New Orleans (LA) in 1996 and had a real blues overdose there, as I stayed on the Bourbon Street itself... The 'blues' has been my constant companion for decades and decades and will continue to be until my departure... And of course, LIGHTNIN' HOPKINS has been one of my favorites throughout this entire period...🥰
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.
yes it is still around, I play these blues EVERY DAY and have been for fifty years.
I was lucky enough to get tickets for this show. Tramps was The hangout for rockers then. MinkdeVille , Keith Richards, etc.
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
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...
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. :))))
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 :)))
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!
I’m a harmonica player, but wished this one, stayed home this night
Grande Maestro.... Straordinario eccellenza...2023
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
Last jam sounds like Hendrix woke up this morning found myself dead, R.I.P. beautiful lighting
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.
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!
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!
@@Birdlives247Tull
@@rickmerritt128 What does Jethro Tull have to do with anything. It sounds like a Saturday night comment.
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
Iconic blues musician
I’m a white Gen X’r who loved old Sam Hopkins. I’ve been listening to him for about 15 years. He’s a part of the root of all the other music I love. How could you not love this stuff? I like other Delta blues too, but lightnin is the one that really touches me. He’s one of my favorite vocalists, but his playing is what really sucked me in.
The Best Bluesman.
PHILIP HOW ABOUT BLIND LEMON JEFFERSON?
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
Nobody plays the blues like him.. the true link between rocknroll and blues... and with no credit in the new generations..
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.
💪💪
Lightnin' Hopkins - Master of LIFE !
I was born at the right time to hear this ...
THIS is blues! Thank you Lightnin!!!!!!!!
legend in his own time...i just like playin' the blues, makes me feel good...😊
2019 and this still speaks to me.. That says something..
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.
Musicans were really backing him up, you can feel the respect and comprehension behind him. Thanks for sharing
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.
this is the most beautiful thing i’ve ever heard
What The Masterpiece !
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.
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.
At a hap joint in Clarksdale Miss. Years ago came in and have a drink after a few he seen the guitar hanging on the wall ask the owner if he could try to play. Play it was great . He had a few drinks and played a few. He was great he was there for close to a hour. Then a guy open the bar door and called his name he got up and said thanks and left.
Still my second favorite, after Leadbelly. Never can get enough of either of them.
loving to find this full last concert. Lightnin' is one of the most important people in my life, never met. Life almost done.
Sou brasileiro , Pantanal MS, Hopkins , agradecemos sua existência na terra !
Awesome last show Lightnin!
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
the sun gonna shine on our life...some days.
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
Blues is just a great art form. Total respect. Many variations have come about as for as styles. And the talent is excellent from bar bands to headliners. Blues is the foundation of jazz, rock and impart early country music and bluegrass.
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...?.
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
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.
Old Sam “Lightnin’ has his mojo foeva’ mo’!
brilliant, great post love and peace jve
This was my first time stumbling upon his music. Kept me hooked for the full video.
Exceptional! It doesn’t get better than this. This is go telling it on the mountain!
Word
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.
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 the most amazing sound ever in any show ever performed. Everything just all .. perfectly tuned and mellow tempos so they get me drunk. Takes a hell of a tight/loose rhythm crew to blow with Hopkins, just like it did with Hendrix. who's the line-up?
Perfectly tuned???I don't know what key you are listening to ha ha Ha
@@georgebethos7890 u wanna talk??
@@_Ramen-Vac_ man was ready to throw hands
@@Beatboxerskills gonna bring the thunder
*The Blues come in their _own key_ & in every emotion. Kindly don't truncate _your_ keys around Mr.
Hopkins, please.*
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).
oh man, thanks! how have I not heard this? 61 days before he died? goddamn.
Great performance ))
ligthning hopkins is awesome
This is gold. Thanks man.
Proper blues man. Legend.
That harp too btw wow
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.
Yup - its here - its in his feel - its in the emotional connections we hear between songs - everyone deeply in it. Thank you for sharing this recording - it is indeed an important one. These are the creators in every mode and style we creating today go to for inspiration so we can evolve the art to reflect us in the present imagining a better future for more of us. Music has always guided our evolution and when our brave musical innovators stop evolving music so will we as humans stop evolving in my humble opinion.
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. 🎸☝️👍💯🥂
Jimi and you on my heart.... R. I. P my heros. 🌹💐🎸👏🎼🌈🙏🌷... Jimi 56 Verona
Lorsque cet album de Lightning ⚡ Hopkins a été livré au publique, j'étais en train de commencer le 2ième année d'uni. When this Last Concert / album was released, I was in my second year, the sophomore year, of Knox College, the Other School of Hard Knox, Knox County, Western Illinois. Surely, an' I ain't callin' nobody Shirley, all the days of my life, I've had the blues 💙, lived the blues.
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 ❤️
Feb 6th 2022~~~ Thanks for posting!!!
(Only 5 minutes in, & I gotta say ... THANX!)
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.
Working from home, listening to boom bap and electronic music. Then this. Didn't even realize it was an hr and some long till now. Idk how to explain but this music amazing !
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 😛🌠🌎💯
I think it took me all this time to love the lyrics the most!
It's all so nice and sweet 😋 really. Tnks to Mr Hopkins, those who keep the blues alive 💙 🙌, PEACE out.
Such Great Music!
je pense que Lightnin Hopkins a légué sa musique à tous les musiciens de blues dans ce dernier concert !!!!!!!
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.
Wolfman's right.lol..this music is rich with so much soul. RIP Lightning.
Best jam I heard in awhile. I'll be back. Thanks
This is after the early record a day stuff, 60s and after the hippie stuff, after a long life and we all saw Les's film on lightnin'. Just a regular supermojo hero at home getting down on the whole town a little high, dark in the blues. Im happy to hear this, didnt know it existed. Just got a fresh crop of blues from the record store - got some old fat possum compilations about chicago and everyone with blind in their name
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
I was there, my first time at Tramps! THE BEST CLUB. all those Pointdexter shows made me feel like I went to college which I did but this was REAL COLLEGE!
Great!
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.
Holy Smokes! This is very good!
Lightnin Hopkins , True bluesman !!!!
music is the only thing i don't get bored of
cant believe i just got here!