Sam "Lightnin'" Hopkins, one of the best Texas blues guitarists to come roaring out of the Lone Star state, has finally been honored with his own historical marker reports the Houston Chronicle newspaper.
Awarded by the Texas Historical Commission, Hopkins' marker will likely be placed in late 2010 at the corner of Dowling and Francis streets in Houston's Third Ward, a spot donated by the property owner. Previously, a headstone on Hopkins' grave in Forest Park Cemetery was the only public recognition of Hopkins' presence in Houston, where he lived for over 60 years until his death in 1982. Houston resident and blues fan Eric Davis sponsored the campaign to honor Hopkins, raising donations from the Houston Blues Society and individual donors to fund the cost of the state marker and its installation.
A country-styled bluesman that often performed solo, Hopkins' unique finger-picked guitar style would alternate single-note leads with rhythm and bass guitar, adding percussive elements by slapping or tapping his guitar body. A prolific songwriter whose lyrics chronicled life in the South, romantic turmoil, and bawdy sexual themes, Hopkins' vocals mixed a soulful voice with a talking blues style. His extensive body of recorded work and dynamic live performances would influence a generation of guitarists to follow, from bluesmen like Buddy Guy and Albert Collins to blues-rockers like Jimi Hendrix, Stevie Ray Vaughan, and Jimmie Vaughan. Lightnin' Hopkins was inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame in 1980.
Related Content: Lightnin' Hopkins Profile
Photo copyright Philip Melnick, courtesy Wolfgang's Vault
Comments
Great News! God Bless you Eric Davis and The Houston Blues Society!
My grandparents were born and raised in Centerville Tx.Their names were Prince Houston and Minnie Bell Lacy. Sam Lightnin”Hopkins was my dad’s first cousin.My name is Lester Houston 281-2244360