Nicky Hopkins: the very talented session man

There are great artists who have the merit of making a great contribution to epochal records while remaining in the shadows. They are the so-called “session men”, musicians who are not part of a band but who collaborate with various artists (groups or soloists) mainly in the studio (but also live). “Hired” professionals whose touch of the different instruments we have heard many times without perhaps worrying too much about giving a name to those instrumental parts.

Among the many artists who are part of this group there is one who, due to the number and quality of his work, deserves a place in an ideal Pantheon of session men: the keyboard player Nicky Hopkinswho contributed to over 250 albums and a large number of singles.

In 2023 it was decided to remember him and rightly recognize his merits and so in November a documentary on the legendary keyboard player Nicky Hopkins will be released on the platforms.

After having participated in some international film competitions, also earning prizes, “The Session Man: Nicky Hopkins” will be made available in North America on November 5th on TVOD/PPV on Amazon Prime. Airing on other platforms and a DVD release are expected later this year.

The film, directed by Mike Treen, tells the life of Hopkins, who participated in hundreds of albums by the Beatles, George Harrison, the Kinks, John Lennon, Paul McCartney, Steve Miller Band, the Rolling Stones, Rod Stewart, the Who and many others.

Many artists Hopkins has worked with over the years appear in the documentary, including Peter Frampton, Mick Jagger, Keith Richards And Pete Townshend.

Nicky Hopkins he died at the age of 50 in 1994. He had had health problems all his life (he was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease) and for this reason he was rarely seen on stage, but his activity in the studio was notable.

“Nicky Hopkins was a dear friend and an iconic pianist,” observes Frampton. “No one had his wonderful touch, sensitivity and choice of notes. I was lucky enough to have him play on my record “Somethin’s Happening”. I miss him and listen to him often. He taught me a lot.”

The “short list” of his collaborations is amazing, from the 60s to the 90s, Hopkins played on many of rock’s greatest songs and albums, including “Revolution” by Beatles“Imagine” by Lennon and “Sympathy for the Devil” dei Rolling Stones.

He began his career in the mid-1960s playing with the Who and was courted to join the band. In 1967 he joined the Jeff Beck Group and continues to record solo records and participate in sessions with other artists.

In 1969 he worked on the album “Volunteers”. Jefferson Airplane and performed on stage with them at Woodstock. He later joined the Jerry Garcia Band ea Graham Parker and the Rumour.

His list also includes collaborations with Badfinger, Joe Cockers, DonovanThe Hollies, Harry Nilsson, Quicksilver Messenger Service, Carly Simon, Cat Stevens And Joe Walsh.

He also has six solo albums to his credit, published under his own name.

The documentary “The Session Man” is narrated by Bob Harristhe former host of The Old Gray Whistle Test (a BBC broadcast focusing on live performances by established and emerging rock artists), who states that “Hopkins’ contribution to their records made him rock’s greatest session man ‘ n’ roll”.

Many artists Hopkins has worked with offer food for thought: Dave Davies, Glyn Johns, Jorma Kaukonen, Jim Keltner, Albert Lee, Nils Lofgren, Benmont Tench and Bill Wyman.

Further information on the film is available here.

This is the trailer for the film