Who Was Nicky Hopkins? The Unsung Hero of Rock and Roll

Who Was Nicky Hopkins?

Nicky Hopkins was a highly influential session musician whose contributions to some of the greatest rock and roll records of all time have often been overlooked.

Despite playing alongside legendary artists like The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, The Who, and The Kinks, he remained largely unknown to the general public.

Now his career is the subject of an upcoming music documentary 'The Session Man'.

The film features many prolific artists talking about Nicky's distinctive piano playing style and innovative approach to music which helped shape the sound of the 1960s and 70s.

The film features our very own artist and instructor, Paddy Milner, alongside legends like Keith Richards and Peter Frampton. Paddy, who plays with Sir Tom Jones, is celebrated as a modern champion of the Blues and Boogie-Woogie styles that Nicky helped popularise. 

Paddy is also known for his courses on Blues and Boogie-Woogie piano on MusicGurus, which are available here with a MusicGurus subscription.

Who Did Nicky Hopkins Play With?

Nicky Hopkins was a sought-after session musician, working with some of the biggest names in rock music. His extensive list of collaborators includes:

• The Beatles
• Dusty Springfield
• The Rolling Stones
• Jeff Beck Group
• Ella Fitzgerald
• Carly Simon
• Rod Stewart
• The Who
• The Kinks
• Meatloaf
• John Lennon
• Joe Cocker
• Cat Stevens

What Songs Does Nicky Hopkins Feature On?

Nicky Hopkins' influence can be heard on countless classic rock tracks. Some of his most notable contributions include:

• The Beatles: "Revolution"
• The Rolling Stones: "Sympathy for the Devil," "Angie," "Like a Rainbow", "Monkey Man"
• The Who: "Won't Get Fooled Again", "The Song Is Over"
• John Lennon: "Jealous Guy"
• Joe Cocker: "You Are So Beautiful"
• Jefferson Airplane: "Volunteers"
• The Kinks: "Session Man"

When Did Nicky Hopkins Die?

However, despite his immense talent, Nicky Hopkins' life was tragically cut short by Crohn's disease. He passed away on September 6, 1994, at the age of 50, while undergoing surgery in Nashville, Tennessee.

The Session Man: Documentary Film

Nicky Hopkins was the quintessential session musician, the man behind the curtain who made countless hits possible.

The documentary film "The Session Man" pays tribute to Nicky Hopkins' extraordinary career, highlighting his immense talent and influence on the music industry.

Learn Blues and Boogie-Woogie Piano with online courses from MusicGurus, which are available here with a MusicGurus subscription.