Where the Music Plays

David Parker You know, one thing that always brings a smile to my face is music. Whether it be hearing it, playing it, talking about it, or learning more about it, it has always made me happy. I grew up listening to all different genres of music: country, rock, gospel, soul, jazz, the blues. But I guess if I had to choose a favorite it would be the blues... simply because the blues is the root of them all. As a matter of fact, Leon County is the birth place of a Blues legend. Thats right, Sam 'Lightnin' Hopkins, was born in Centerville, Texas back in1912.

It is said that he knew at a very young age that he did not want to spend his life working the cotton fields. He wanted to play the blues. He made a guitar out of a cigar box and some wire and learned a few chords from a relative. He also met his musical hero, Blind Lemon Jefferson, at a church picnic right here in Buffalo. Jefferson gave the young Hopkins a few guitar tips that day. A few years later, Hopkins would travel with Jefferson as his guide.

Lightnin’ slowly built his reputation playing picnics and parties in Leon County and the surrounding area. He eventually left home to persue his musical dream in the city. He played every chance he got. He was discovered one night playing in a bar in Houston, by a record label. He said he would record for them but they had to pay him cash up front. So he began recording his future classics.... and the rest, as they say, is music history.

Lightnin’ Hopkins passed away in Houston in 1982...but his legend lives on as does his music. Many artist claimed him as their musical influence -- The Beatles.., The Rolling Stones...,Delbert McClinton...ZZ TOP...just to name a few.

If you’ve never heard Lightnin’ Hopkins before, you’re truly missing some deep, raw, heartfelt, music. Check out the songs Trouble In Mind, Mojo Hand, Automobile, and of course the classic .Baby Please Don’t Go.

If you want to find out more about this Texas blues man, get the book Deep Down Hard Blues by Sara Ann West. Check The Horses Mouth Book Store/Coffee Shop in Buffalo.., I bet they can find it for you!

As I write this, I have The Best Of Lightnin’ Hopkins blasting on my stereo.... and that, my friends, is where the music plays this week.

Oh, and don’t forget-- the Buffalo Stampede is coming up, with live music on the 17th from local bands, Gypsyhead and Push Water and then more music on the 18th from Gypsyhead and Dead End Allie!