Arhoolie Records founder Chris Strachwitz has credited the music of Samuel “Lightnin” Hopkins with providing the emotional experience that led to his decision to form Arhoolie Records in 1960. During Hopkins’ career, it is estimated that he recorded hundreds of songs, gaining a large following in the African American and blues communities. This compilation presents Hopkins in sessions during the 1960s and includes topical songs about the weather (“Ice Storm Blues,” “Hurricanes Carla and Esther,” and “California Showers”), drinking songs (“Wine Drinking Woman” and “Gin Bottle Blues”) and Vietnam (“Please Settle in Vietnam”).

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