A new documentary, The Session Man, explores the life and career of Nicky Hopkins, a highly accomplished pianist who played with the Beatles, the Rolling Stones, the Who, and many others. Despite his extensive work, Hopkins remains relatively unknown outside music industry circles. The film features contributions from Mick Jagger and other notable figures, but some critics note it avoids probing why Hopkins never achieved wider fame.
Hopkins was classically trained at the Royal Academy of Music but developed a blues-influenced style. He battled Crohn's disease and later substance abuse, partly to manage pain from demanding schedules, and died at age 50. His humility and collaborative nature made him a sought-after session musician, though his solo albums failed to gain traction.
The documentary celebrates Hopkins's legacy but leaves questions about the nature of stardom unanswered. It suggests that his lack of ego, while admirable, may have prevented him from achieving the recognition his talent deserved.
