Lightnin' Hopkins: Rare Performances 1960 - 1979

From Blind Lemon Jefferson to Freddie King, Texas gave the world generations of extraordinary blues singer-guitarists, of whom none made a deeper impression than Sam 'Lightnin" Hopkins (1912-1982). He was the embodiment of Texas country blues and inspired novelists, filmmakers, and of course, countless blues singer-guitarists. The stunning impact of his charismatic performances comes fully to life in this DVD tracing Lightnin's career subsequent to his rediscovery in 1959.

Samuel Charters found him on hard times in Houston and brought 'Po' Lightnin" to the attention of white folk audiences. In 1960 German filmmaker Dietrich Wawzyn captured Lightnin' on his Houston home turf, and the clips here of him performing on the street and in a Houston bar are rare glimpses into his milieu (and the earliest known footage of Hopkins). Seven years later a relaxed Lightnin' delivered engaging folk-blues performances for Seattle folklorists, five of which appear here. In 1970 he painted a masterful and entertaining musical self-portrait in eight songs from the Los Angeles PBS show Boboquivari. Finally, Lightnin's "lion in winter" appearance on Austin City Limits in 1979 shows a still powerful country bluesman disproving the old dog/new tricks adage with a Stratocaster and wah-wah pedal! Four rare performances from a 1960 TV show are included as bonus tracks. This collection offers a fresh reflection of one of the most deeply creative and entertaining characters who ever sang and played the blues.

Titles:
1. Lonesome Road
2. Lightnin's Blues
3. Baby Please Don't Go
4. Mojo Hand
5. Take Me Back
6. Hurricane Beulah
7. Baby, Scratch My Back
8. Couldn't Be Satisfied
9. Questionnaire Blues
10. Ain't It Crazy
11. Don't The Moon Look Pretty
12. Black and Evil
13. Lightnin's Boogie
14. What'd I Say
15. How Long Has It Been
16. Mojo Hand
17. Ain't No Cadillac
18. Black And Evil
19. Rock Me Baby
20. Good Night Blues

Bonus Tracks:
21. Baby, Come Go Home With Me
22. Going Down Slow
23. Bunion Stew
24. Let's Pull A Party