Lightnin' Slim was an influential American blues musician, born as Otis V. Hicks in 1913. Known for his raw, rhythmic guitar playing and soulful vocals, his style was a defining force in the Louisiana swamp blues subgenre. His most notable songs include "Rooster Blues" and "Bad Luck Blues", which played a crucial role in shaping the blues music of the 1950s and '60s. Slim's impact on the genre has been recognized by both contemporaries and later generations, solidifying his place in blues history.