The Unsung Hero of Rock and Roll
A new documentary film, The Session Man, shines a long-overdue spotlight on the extraordinary life and career of Nicky Hopkins, the supremely gifted pianist whose playing shaped the sound of British and American rock music, yet whose name remains largely unknown to the public. The film, which arrives in UK cinemas on 21 November, is a detailed and celebratory portrait of a true musician's musician.
A Life in the Shadows of Giants
Nicky Hopkins was a classically trained virtuoso, having studied at the prestigious Royal Academy of Music. Despite this formal background, he developed a raw, blues-inflected style that sounded as if it was born in the American South. His incredible talent made him the go-to keyboardist for a staggering roster of iconic artists.
His fingerprints are all over seminal records by The Rolling Stones, The Who, The Kinks, and Jefferson Airplane. He even contributed to sessions for The Beatles and went on to play on solo albums by all four former members of the band. Despite being hero-worshipped within music industry circles, Hopkins never achieved mainstream fame.
The documentary explores his refreshingly ego-less approach to his craft. While he possessed no false modesty—even half-jokingly calling himself the reincarnation of Chopin—his humility and collaborative spirit made him a beloved figure. The film suggests that the life of a session musician, free from the burdens of stardom, was what truly unlocked his creativity.
The Unanswered Questions
However, the film is noted for leaving a central question somewhat unanswered: why did Nicky Hopkins never become a star? The review points out that the documentary doesn't fully interrogate whether his sheer technical proficiency somehow lacked the raw, obnoxious originality that often defines star quality.
Hopkins's career was also marked by a significant battle with Crohn's disease. His later issues with drink and drugs are presented as being at least partly a way to manage the pain, allowing him to keep up with demanding recording and touring schedules. These health struggles contributed to his tragically early death at the age of 50.
The film also respectfully mentions his own solo albums but, perhaps out of respect, avoids a frank discussion about why they failed to achieve commercial success. The Session Man is ultimately a loving tribute to an amazing figure, offering valuable insights for connoisseurs, while acknowledging that the unfairness of art and life meant the world never fully learned his name.
