Watch The Blues Accordin' to Lightnin' Hopkins

The Blues Accordin' to Lightnin' Hopkins is a documentary film released in 1970, directed by Les Blank. It features an intimate portrait of the life and music of Texas blues legend Sam "Lightnin'" Hopkins. The film is a tribute to Hopkins' music and his legacy in the blues genre which has influenced many musicians, including Jimi Hendrix and Stevie Ray Vaughan.

The film primarily explores Lightnin' Hopkins' personal journey, from his humble beginnings in rural Texas to his rise as one of the most influential blues musicians of all time. It delves deep into his unique songwriting style and his profound understanding of life, which he conveyed through his blues music. The documentary also portrays Hopkins' keen sense of humor and his dedication to his craft.

The film is comprised of several sequences, with each segment featuring Hopkins, performing alone or with other blues musicians, including fellow Texans Mance Lipscomb and Billy Bizor. Les Blank's approach to directing is personal and somewhat unconventional, as he deliberately avoids interviewing Hopkins directly, allowing the musician to express himself through his music.

The film opens with Hopkins sitting on a front porch, smoking a cigarette and playing his guitar. As the camera rolls, he begins to sing and play one of his signature songs, "Katie Mae." A mesmerizing montage of blues music follows, performed by Hopkins and his friends. The audience is treated to a glimpse of the communal spirit that existed in Texas blues circles as the musicians share their love and passion for the genre.

One of the significant themes revolving around the documentary is the role that music played in Hopkins' life. Hopkins recalls how he began playing the guitar as a child, and the way the instrument provided him with an escape from the harsh realities of life, including poverty and racism. To Hopkins, the blues was a form of resistance, and he used his music as a platform to speak on behalf of the oppressed.

The documentary also explores Hopkins' personal life, a topic that he was notoriously private about. But through the interviews with his friends and fellow musicians, the audience learns about his troubled marriages and his relationship with alcohol. The film, however, refrains from becoming judgmental and allows the music, which is the heart of the story, to speak for itself.

One of the standout sequences in the film is a scene that features Hopkins and Blues harmonica player Billy Bizor collaborating on an instrumental. Hopkins starts by strumming his guitar, and Bizor joins in with a haunting melody. The two musicians create a mournful tune that captures the deep pain and sorrow of the blues. The scene speaks volumes about the universal nature of the Blues and the connection that exists between musicians.

The documentary is also an exploration of the environment and culture that nurtured the blues. Hopkins lived in an era when segregation, racism, and poverty were rampant in Texas, and the blues provided a way for the black community to express their pain and sorrow. The film paints a vivid picture of the Texas blues milieu, with footage of house parties and dances that brought people together to dance and sing.

The Blues Accordin' to Lightnin' Hopkins is a film that seeks to capture the spirit and essence of the blues. It recognizes the incredible talent of Lightnin' Hopkins, and how his music reflected the universal human experience. Les Blank's direction puts the music front and center, giving the viewer the chance to immerse themselves in the powerful and emotive genre. As the documentary ends, one can't help but feel that they have been given an intimate window into the life and art of one of the greatest blues musicians of all time.

In conclusion, The Blues Accordin' to Lightnin' Hopkins is a documentary that is equal parts poignant, soulful, and unforgettable. The film stands as a testament to the evocative and captivating nature of blues music, and to the legacy of one of its most prominent pioneers.