The Blues Accordin' to Lightnin' Hopkins

American documentary filmmaker Les Blank with Skip Gerson follows Blues musician Lightnin' Hopkins in rural Texas. I can listen to this music all day. I don't know if I really get to the heart of the man but one does get a sense of this place. It has a rodeo. It has some fishing, a little fish. It has plenty of local colors. Maybe they could have done a cook out with his family and friends. That's usually good times and good filming. Let the liquor flow and let's party it up. It's not necessarily the blues but let's blow it up for the finish.

A day in the life of one of America's premier poets and artists of the 20th century. A small glimpse that widens the eye, touches the soul, and speaks universally while whispering about a moment.

A portrait of the great Texas bluesman, Lightnin' Hopkins. The film includes interviews and a performance by Hopkins.

Those not well-acquainted with the blues may be forgiven for not knowing Hopkins. But this short film will introduce you to the man: Rolling Stone magazine included Hopkins at number 71 on their list of the 100 greatest guitarists of all time. That is respectable, if you consider just how many great guitarists are out there.

But what makes this film good is not even Hopkins, but his world. Without any sort of narrative or political angle, Blank turns his camera on the poor, mostly-Black neighborhood near Houston. This is an interesting commentary on race and class, not so much for its struggle... but just how happy most of these people seem. They have nothing, but the music makes them joyous.

Good film. Les Blank always present his subject as much as they should be. Lightnin' Hopkins was presented while doing what he does best, playing the blues and telling stories.

This documentary presents a good perspective into the life of a bluesman as well as rural black America.

This is a great documentary which captures the life of legendary Blues singer/guitarist Sam "Lightnin" Hopkins. It starts out depicting Hopkins as a young boy when he first decides to become a musician and then goes on to show Lightnin' as an adult performing the blues. Hopkins is followed back to his home town of Centerville, Texas where he performs at a large outdoor Barbeque. It gives you a very personal and true feeling of who Lightnin' Hopkins really was and what his music stood for.

This film is truly a valuable piece of blues history and was captured brilliantly by the director/producer. A true classic!