Rich Hopkins is in a heroic struggle against mediocrity and complacency. A prolific writer, singer, guitarist, producer and humanitarian, Hopkins is concerned for
Hopkins, who has been a part of the American music scene since 1985, is, amazingly, still an undiscovered talent to some. Founding the Tucson, Ariz. based Sidewinders(RCA 1989-91)/ Sand Rubies (Polygram 1993), Hopkins toured the U.S. and celebrated success with college/indie rock classics "Witchdoctor" and "We Don't Do That Anymore" (both went to #5 on the CMJ charts). In 1991, Hopkins formed Rich Hopkins and The Luminarios as a side
project; it soon became his full time band when the Sand Rubies stopped touring. He has consistently cranked out new records (26 in all) and tours yearly in Germany/Europe (25 tours) where, in 1996, he was one of the first artists signed to Germany's Blue Rose Records.
A new member of the Tucson Musicians Museum (Class of 2013), Hopkins enters music history as the quintessential desert rocker, a constant in the bedrock of alternative music. Showcasing an ability to create unmistakable guitar tones that drive a hallmark sound, as the years pass, Hopkins continues to reinvent and motivate himself for yet another album and tour as evidenced on “Tombstone,” the latest release from Rich Hopkins & The Luminarios.
"At the end of the day, it’s all about change and freedom,” Hopkins explains. “It’s about learning from the past, letting go, being present, trying new things and enjoying the flow of life.”
Hopkins, who is no stranger to change, relocated when a long-distance relationship with Lisa Novak (a three-time award- winning singer/songwriter from Houston) begged for more. From Tucson to Texas, Hopkins and Novak were paired musically and romantically; recently married, she has been instrumental in his efforts lending her talents as songwriter and backing vocalist to his last four albums, one of which is a duet album featuring their original music.
“I lived a reckless life in the past and was a slave to my senses,” Hopkins stated, acknowledging that life is no longer about good times in the same way they were when he first started in music. “I’ve been through those stages and now here I am. My life with Lisa is centered and balanced; we are living life and making music that we love.” Novak sold her business and home in Houston and now the two now travel between Austin, Tx and Tucson , Az claiming both as "home"
Just as in his music, Hopkins personal life is filled with wonder and intellect illustrated in his lyrics. Committed to giving back, he has volunteered and was a proud participant in the Big Brothers and Big sisters program and continues to put on annual concerts and benefits for Casa Maria Soup kitchen. In addition, he pursues knowledge by learning about southwestern history, Native Amercians in the U. S., and the plight or salvation of man as a whole.
“I am not who you think I am! Change is good! Sit back and enjoy the musical journey we have created.”
His most recent project is involving a few cowrites with other musicians and most notably with Lisa's niece,new singer/songwriter Hannah Novak from Houston, Tx. He helped record and produce a few of her songs and now enlisted Hannah in singing the lead for the catchy Hopkins/Novak cowrite " The Upside of Down" as well as vocals on the sunny, ear candy tune, "Big Star". Hannah adds a fresh, youthful sound to the seasoned Hopkins/Novak songwriting team
Go ahead, take a listen... Then hit repeat!
watch the Rich Hopkins tory, " Finding Harmony " here on you Tube released 2025
https://youtu.be/com5sugfzY8?si=_2egBTrXJgzlHiM
