David Hopkins

Elisha Gerald Hopkins (1935–2018) was an American journalist and author whose prolific career spanned decades and diverse subjects. He gained early recognition for writing the first biographies of music legends Elvis Presley and Jim Morrison, the latter of which became a bestseller and is credited with influencing the rock biography genre. Hopkins also served as a correspondent and contributing editor for Rolling Stone magazine for two decades, contributing significantly to its coverage of music and culture.

His extensive bibliography includes over 37 books and numerous magazine articles, translated into more than a dozen languages. Beyond music biographies, Hopkins explored themes of history, humor, and culture, including extensive work on Hawaiian traditions and cuisine, particularly in his later years spent in Honolulu and Thailand. His career also involved producing for television personalities and opening one of the first head shops in Los Angeles, reflecting his engagement with counterculture movements.

Elisha Gerald Hopkins began his journalism career after earning a degree in the field. He worked as a reporter and news editor before transitioning into television production, writing and producing for notable figures like Mike Wallace and Steve Allen. His early writing also included humorous and unconventional topics, such as an astrological spoof. A pivotal moment in his career was his work for Rolling Stone magazine, where he served as a correspondent and contributing editor for 20 years. During this time, he penned the first biographies of Elvis Presley and Jim Morrison. The Jim Morrison biography, 'No One Here Gets Out Alive,' faced numerous rejections before its 1980 publication, eventually topping bestseller lists and is recognized for helping to revive interest in The Doors and popularizing the rock biography format.

Hopkins' writing extended far beyond music biographies, delving into various cultural and historical subjects. After leaving television, he was involved in the early Los Angeles counterculture scene, opening a head shop and contributing to alternative newspapers. Later in his career, after moving to Honolulu, he focused on Hawaiian culture, publishing books on its history, music, and traditions, including 'The Hula.' His time in Thailand also inspired a significant body of work, particularly focusing on food and cultural experiences. Collaborations like 'Strange Foods' and 'Extreme Cuisine' explored global culinary adventures, while works such as 'Bangkok Babylon' and 'Thailand Confidential' offered insights into expatriate life and Asian culture. His final book, 'Romancing the East,' profiled Western novelists who shaped perceptions of Asia.