Lightnin' Hopkins Texas Blues Man

Samuel "Lightnin'" Hopkins

(March 15, 1912 – January 30, 1982)

Born in Centerville, TX, he was only eight years old when he first heard the legendary Blind Lemon Jefferson at a church picnic. Before long he accompanied Jefferson regularly, who taught him the fundamentals of country blues. A farm hand by profession, he moved to Houston in the late thirties to make a first, though unsuccessful attempt at breaking into the music scene there, returning to farm labor in his hometown before long. He returned in 1946 and was subsequently discovered by a talent scout for Aladdin records for whom he recorded his first sides in Los Angeles that same year. He continued to record prolifically, though he remained mostly active within Texas. This changed in 1960, when he played Carnegie Hall. leading to bigger engagements and even more renown. He became a top draw at festivals and a favorite of both blues and jazz listeners. Hopkins enjoyed a large following until the end of his life.

.: 50% Cotton 50% Polyester

.: Medium-heavy fabric (8.0 oz/yd² (271.25 g/m²))

.: Loose fit

.: Sewn in label

.: Runs true to size