(April 2025) Episode 644 is LIGHTNIN’ HOPKINS, Texas bluesman with a career that spanned from the 1920s to 1980s. Despite all the changes in the blues genre over that time, Hopkins remained consistent and loyal to his sound: just his guitar (acoustic or electric) and his earthy voice. I enjoy this style of stripped-down blues, but after dozens of albums, it can get repetitive.
Favorite album: Strums the Blues
Favorite song: Devil Is Watching You
Favorite instrumental song: Hopkins’ Sky Hop (inspiration for Stevie Ray Vaughn’s ‘Rude Mood’)
Compared to expectations: same
Recommendation: I prefer the early recording compilations from the 1940s-50s, but the consistency in his output means you can jump in most anywhere.
Opus Project 