The Best of Lightning Hopkins

Arhoolie Records founder Chris Strachwitz often said that listening to blues musicians like Sam “Lightnin’” Hopkins (spelled “Lightning” by Strachwitz) was one reason he launched the record label. It is only fitting, therefore, that he compiles a “best of” collection of Hopkins’ songs from Arhoolie’s 1960s catalog plus his recordings from the late 1940s on the Gold Star label. The juxtaposition of the two time periods shows an evolution of Hopkins’ style from country blues to a more urban approach to the blues. Included in this collection is an early version of “Tim Moore’s Farm” and his protest song about the Vietnam War, “Please Settle in Vietnam.”

Track Listing

101	Whiskey Blues Lightnin' Hopkins	02:44
102	Come on Baby Lightnin' Hopkins	02:37
103	Grosebeck Blues Lightnin' Hopkins	02:24
104	Mojo Hand Lightnin' Hopkins	02:55
105	Going Home Blues (Going Back and Talk to Mama) Lightnin' Hopkins	02:57
106	Jesus Will You Come By Here Lightnin' Hopkins	02:12
107	Tim Moore's Farm Lightnin' Hopkins	02:42
108	Have You Ever Loved a Woman Lightnin' Hopkins	04:20
109	Big Mama Jump Lightnin' Hopkins	02:36
110	Mr. Crow and Bill Quinn Lightnin' Hopkins	02:30
111	Unsuccessful Blues Lightnin' Hopkins	02:24
112	Bald Headed Woman Lightnin' Hopkins	03:51
113	Zolo Go Lightnin' Hopkins	02:49
114	Please Settle in Vietnam Lightnin' Hopkins	04:13
115	Short Haired Woman Lightnin' Hopkins	05:49
116	The Dice Game Lightnin' Hopkins	01:21
117	Once Was a Gambler Lightnin' Hopkins	04:57