Lightnin' Hopkins

1912–1982United States 1960s 1970s 1980s 1950s 2000s

About Lightnin' Hopkins

American country blues singer, songwriter and guitarist. Born: 15 March 1912, Centerville, Leon County, Texas, USA. - Died: 30 January 1982, Houston, Texas, USA. In 1920, Hopkins met the legendary Blind Lemon Jefferson at a social function and got a chance to play with him. His cousin was Texas Alexander. While they were playing together in Houston in 1946, he was discovered by Lola Anne Cullum of Los Angeles' Aladdin Records. Hopkins first recorded with pianist Wilson Smith and the pair were dubbed 'Lightning' & 'Thunder' to add some dynamic to their marketing. Strong recordings followed from Hopkins, such as his song "Mojo Hand" (1960). He later inspired many artists such as Jimmie Vaughan, Townes Van Zandt and Ron "Pigpen" McKernan. Often miscredited for writing the 1954 Chuck Willis' song "I Feel So Bad" covered by Little Milton and Elvis Presley among others. He also wrote a song by the same name released in 1947 on Aladdin (6) and in 1962 on Imperial.