The Session Man: Nicky Hopkins is one of the greatest session musicians you’ve probably never heard of now a new feature documentary celebrates the unsung rock and roll hero whose contributions helped create some of the most iconic music of all time
‘Nicky Hopkins’ The Session Man
‘Nicky Hopkins’ contributions made him rock and roll’s greatest session man’ - Bob Harris
‘If you were a rock musician in the 1960s and ’70s, there was one man who was always the first call if you needed piano overdubs: Nicholas Christian Hopkins. A Middlesex kid with a virtuosic ability to perform classical compositions’ - Far Out Magazine
Meet Nicky Hopkins one of rock’s most talented musicians, but one you may not have heard of. Now a long overdue new feature documentary is about to change that as The Session Man makes its UK digital debut on 4 May 2026 thanks to Reel2Reel Films.
The fascinating film shines a spotlight on one of rock and roll’s most influential yet lesser-known musicians and was painstakingly brought to life by director by Mike Treen alongside producers John Wood and Mike Sherman.
The Session Man tells the extraordinary story of British musician Nicky Hopkins – a hugely talented pianist whose work helped define the sound of a generation and although Hopkins preferred to avoid the limelight, his contributions helped shape some of the most iconic songs in music history. More than 30 years after he passed away, Hopkins was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in November 2025 and will soon be inducted into the Musicians Hall of Fame on 28 April 2026, finally receiving the recognition he deserves.
His remarkable career spans more than 30 years and despite many challenges and setbacks in his personal life, Hopkins collaborated with some of the most legendary artists of all time including The Beatles, also performing on solo projects by all four members, including John Lennon’s Imagine and The Rolling Stones – appearing on 14 of their albums. The list is endless but includes The Kinks, The Who, Rod Stewart, Dusty Springfield, Jeff Beck, Cat Stevens, Peter Frampton, Graham Parker, Joe Cocker, Art Garfunkel, Donovan, Ella Fitzgerald, the Steve Miller Band and Carly Simon, cementing his place in rock’s golden era and becoming a bonafide legend in his own right.
With credits on more than 250 albums and countless singles, Hopkins’ signature piano style transformed songs into enduring classics. His distinctive riffs and melodic flourishes can be heard on songs such as Revolution, Sympathy for the Devil, Angie, Jealous Guy and You Are So Beautiful – music that continues to resonate with audiences across generations.
Narrated by the inimitable Bob Harris, the documentary features a veritable who’s who of rock royalty including Keith Richards, Mick Jagger, Pete Townshend, Peter Frampton, Bill Wymanand many more. His widow Moira Hopkins also shares an intimate portrait of the man behind the music.
This fascinating music documentary introduces us to one of the most important session pianists in the history of rock, whose story is finally told in a powerful tribute to his legacy.
On digital 4 May from Reel2Reel Films
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