Lightnin' Hopkins: His Life and Blues Review

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Lightnin' Hopkins: His Life and Blues ReviewHardcover-8 page Introduction,24 pages of b&w photographs,236 pages of text,50 page Discography,23 pages of End Notes,8 page Selected Bibliography,plus Index.
The (late) Sam "Lightnin'" Hopkins was without a doubt one of the finest blues artists,not just in Texas,but in the entire history of the blues idiom. He was also a man difficult to know. His blues style,no matter if it's traditional,solo acoustic country blues,or in a band setting with electrified instruments,didn't really change much. His songs focused on traditional themes of the blues-women,gambling,alcohol,people he met along the way,and everyday observations about himself and life in general. He was capable of playing simply (and off meter)with just his voice and guitar in the old field-singing style. Or he could propel a song in a toe-tapping boogie/shuffle time,with an electric guitar and/or a rhythm section to great effect.
In this highly readable book,Alan Govenar delves into not just Hopkins' music,but the man himself. The author starts with Hopkins' early life,with details that haven't before now been so thoroughly researched. Govenar spent a decade collecting information from family,close friends,and business acquaintances to fill in a number of areas of Hopkins' life. The photographs give added depth to the book,showing Hopkins,his family,associates,and homes he lived in as a young man. These crisp photos (some unseen by many people) help tell Hopkins' life during his most important years,and are a true bonus.
Beginning with his up-bringing,Govenar details Hopkins' hard-scrabble life growing up in the Texas countryside. The country is where Hopkins first heard music played at country suppers,which was part of the foundation for his own music.Another influence was growing up in a family where everyone played or sang,when Hopkins would sing with his brothers. Several areas of Hopkins' early life are detailed in the book. Hopkins spoke of following Blind Lemon Jefferson from town to town (to avoid share-cropping),with some facts which are hard to verify. He also boasted about being in and out of jail several times,and on being part of a chain-gang. While he (might) have exaggerated about his jail time,the scars around his ankles (which he would show to people) were proof enough of his experience on a chain-gang. Another part of Hopkins' early life detailed in the book,is his meetiong (and playing with) Texas Alexander. Alexander showed Hopkins that a living could be made (however slim) by singing the blues wherever people gathered. Hopkins' style of singing (a sometimes rambling style that musicians had trouble keeping time with) was heavily influenced by Alexander-a style he would continue until he died.
The book then details Hopkins' life in Houston,Texas,and Hopkins' first use (and recordings) with an electric guitar. This particular chapter is very informative with details and background on the era and Hopkins' music. The author then details Hopkins' "rediscovery" by Sam Charters and then Chris Strachwitz (of Arhoolie Records),who both recorded Hopkins during this time. The book goes on to describe the blues revival era (which I remember),and how Hopkins' popularity at clubs and concerts (and his recordings) made Hopkins' name once more "famous". And all the while Hopkins never really revealed himself to those around him. He was capable of entrancing an audience with his wit and stories,while keeping personal details to himself. This era of Hopkins' music is dealt with in great detail,especially his dealings with record companies. Oftentimes Hopkins would demand payment (in cash) before committing anything to tape in the studio. It was during these episodes that his infamous temper would oftentimes explode until he got what he wanted.
Hopkins also toured during the blues revival era-performing coast to coast,and recording when he could. Of particular interest (to me) are the recordings Sam Hopkins did with his brothers Joel,and John Henry (recently out of jail) for Chris Strachwitz. The recording session turned ugly because of to much alcohol,and the songs they recorded are one of a kind.
The rest of the book details Hopkins' life and music,which an ever-expanding audience never seemed to tire. The final chapter deals with Hopkins' last years (and recordings) he spent in Texas. While Hopkins still retained his natural charm with an audience,his song material was uneven in quality-something the author thankfully brings to light.
The anecdotes,the small details which are found throughout this book bring this bluesman to life. For anyone who wants to know what both Sam "Lightnin'" Hopkins (or "Po' Lightnin' as he sometimes called himself) and his music were like-read this book. If you aren't familiar with Hopkins-read this book,and then listen to his wonderful blues. Hopkins and his style of blues were unique,even in his era. This great book will open up his music (and an era) from a past long ago,music that still has the power sung by a master blues singer and guitarist.Lightnin' Hopkins: His Life and Blues Overview

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