The Unsung Legend of Rock: Nicky Hopkins – The Secret Genius Behind Iconic Hits

From the Rolling Stones' haunting melodies in 'Gimme Shelter' to John Lennon's emotional 'Jealous Guy,' Hopkins was the go-to pianist for rock's elite. And yet, at one point, this rock virtuoso was almostin... Spinal Tap?
Nicky’s journey is now told in The Session Man, an Amazon Prime documentary celebrating the quiet genius behind some of rock’s greatest hits. Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Peter Frampton, and more share stories of the musician who brought Chicago blues to life in the heart of ‘60s London.
Hopkins' influence was so profound that he contributed to albums by each of the Beatles and was even known to jam alongside Elton John and Billy Joel. But the magic he brought to each track has gone mostly uncelebrated... until now."
And while Hopkins didn't officially join Spinal Tap, he couldn’t resist one track—adding his unmistakable touch to their 1992 album, Break Like the Wind. His wife Moira recalls how he even asked director Christopher Guest if Nigel Tufnel was modeled after guitar god Jeff Beck.