Lightnin' Hopkins
Acting
Biography
Samuel John "Lightnin'" Hopkins was an American country blues singer, songwriter, guitarist and occasional pianist from Centerville, Texas. In 2010 Rolling Stone magazine ranked him No. 71 on its list of the 100 greatest guitarists of all time.
Born: March 15, 1912
Place of Birth: Centerville, Texas
Known For
Mr. Charlie, Your Rollin’ Mill Is Burnin’ Down
This short film by Les Blank with Skip Gerson features the charismatic legendary blues icon Lightnin' Hopkins sing a beautiful song about a stuttering boy who learns that he can communicate through singing. Also features Billy Bizor on harmonica.
The Blues Accordin' to Lightnin' Hopkins
Les Blank's portrait of the great Texas bluesman, 'Lightnin' Hopkins. The film includes interviews and a performance by Hopkins. Preserved by the Academy Film Archive in 2002.
Be Here to Love Me
Chronicles the fascinating and often turbulent life of Townes Van Zandt.
The American Folk Blues Festival: The British Tours 1963-1966
In 1962, a group of legendary American blues musicians embarked on a series of tours to the United Kingdom. Footage from these classic concerts, which feature the likes of Muddy Waters, Lightnin' Hopkins, Junior Wells and more, are collected here. Blues fans will relish appearances by Howlin' Wolf, Sonny Boy Williamson, Lonnie Johnson, Big Joe Williams, Big Joe Turner, Otis Rush ...
This Ain't No Mouse Music!
Loving, music-filled tribute to Chris Strachwitz, guiding force behind legendary roots music label Arhoolie Records. With Ry Cooder, Clifton Chenier, Richard Thompson, Flaco Jiménez and a new generation of roots musicians.
The Sun's Gonna Shine
A lyrical recreation of Lightnin’ Hopkins’ decision at age eight to stop chopping cotton and start singing for a living. Preserved by the Academy Film Archive in 2013.
Lightnin' Les
Lightnin' Hopkins sings about playing cards with Les Blank and Skip Gerson - a card game he won which turned critical to the making of the film "The Blues Accordin' To Lightnin' Hopkins." After filming 13 songs, Lightnin' had told Les and Skip that he was done filming. As a last resort Les asked Lightnin' to play cards and he lost $200. But then Lightnin' agreed to film more.
Masters of the Country Blues - Mance Lipscomb and Lightnin' Hopkins
Mance Lipscomb and Lightnin' Hopkins play music and talk about their lives. Hosted by musician Taj Mahal.
Texas Blues Guitar
Assorted performances collected by Stefan Grossman. Includes Albert Collins, Freddie King, Lightnin; Hopkins, and Mance Lipscomb
Down Home Music - A Journey Through the Heartland
In 1963 German filmmaker Dietrich Wawzyn set out to shoot a series of films for German television that took him through the southern US in search of American jazz and roots music. He contacted Arhoolie Records founder Chris Strachwitz, who jumped at the chance to join him and share his enthusiasm for regional musical traditions. Wawzyn made three films dealing with blues, gospel, and hillbilly music. The negatives to those films were lost. This film recreates the journey from the best elements still available and includes much previously unreleased footage.
Filmography
as Self
as Self (archive footage)
as Self
as Himself (voice)
as Himself
as Himself