Lightnin' Hopkins

Lightnin' Hopkins was born in Centerville, Texas in 1912 and became one of the defining figures in Texas blues. A singer, songwriter and guitarist, he worked across country blues and electric blues with a direct, conversational style that could feel loose and intimate one moment, cutting the next.

An early encounter with Blind Lemon Jefferson helped shape his path, and his recording career took off after he was spotted in Houston in 1946 while playing with his cousin Texas Alexander. Recording for Aladdin, he was briefly billed with pianist Wilson Smith as Lightning and Thunder. Hopkins went on to leave a huge body of work, from the early Aladdin sides to later landmarks including Mojo Hand, with songs such as "Mojo Hand" helping secure his place well beyond the blues circuit.