One day the phone rang - a collect call from Texas. The voice on the other end belonged to Sam 'Lightnin' Hopkins. 'Man, I wrote a mess o' new tunes for you.' Reservations were made that afternoon and the ensuing plane trip to Houston (where Lightnin' was currently living) was filled with anxiety for us because here was an opportunity to record the last of the great blues singers. Nothing much is known about Sam Hopkins and he is not one to venture any information. He did, however, tell us that the greatest influence in his life was one Blind Lemon. He encouraged Lightnin' to tell his story on his guitar as well as with words. Lightnin's intense and painful vocal style is a result of his life in the poor farm country of central Texas. This, and his evasive qualities, are fast making him a legend. Although Lightnin' has recorded for many different labels, we believe this collection of songs captures him at his best and could easily be subtitled, ' The Best Of Lightnin' Hopkins' without fear of contradiction. The session and two bottles of gin were finished and Lightnin' just shuffled away counting his money. We have not seen or heard from him since, but everytime the phone rings we somehow hope we'll hear his voice sayin', 'Man, I wrote a mess o' new tunes for you.' J.S.
