Hop Wilson facts for kids

Harding "Hop" Wilson (April 27, 1921 – August 27, 1975) was an American Texas blues musician. He was famous for playing the steel guitar. People called him "Hop" because he loved playing the harmonica, which is sometimes called a "harp." His unique style of playing the steel guitar made his music sound very deep and soulful.

Hop Wilson's Early Life

Hop Wilson was born in a town called Grapeland, Texas, in 1921. From a young age, he learned to play both the guitar and the harmonica. He got his first steel guitar when he was a teenager.

After getting his steel guitar, he started playing music in clubs around Houston. He also served in the United States Army. After his time in the Army, Hop Wilson decided to become a full-time musician.

Hop Wilson's Music Career

Hop Wilson began his music career in the 1950s. He performed with another musician named Ivory Lee Semien. In 1957, he recorded some songs for Goldband Records in Lake Charles, Louisiana.

His music style was special. He mixed the sounds of traditional black Texas blues with the loud, electric sounds of white Western Swing bands. In 1960, Wilson signed with Ivory Records in Houston. He liked recording songs in the studio. However, he did not enjoy going on tours. So, he mostly played music in his local area. He continued playing until he passed away in Houston in 1975.

Hop Wilson's Influence on Other Musicians

Even though Hop Wilson didn't record many songs, he had a big impact on other musicians.

Ron Wood's Connection to Hop Wilson

Ron Wood from the famous band The Rolling Stones was one of them. In 1994, Ron Wood said that he got ideas for his songs, like "Black Limousine," from Hop Wilson's guitar playing.

Peter Green and Hop Wilson

Peter Green, who started the band Fleetwood Mac, also admired Hop Wilson. In 2007, Peter Green talked about his favorite blues artists. He mentioned Hop Wilson, calling him a "slide guitar player from Houston." Peter Green especially loved Hop Wilson's album called Texas Steel Guitar Flash.

The Song "Black Cat Bone"

One of Hop Wilson's songs, "My Woman Has A Black Cat Bone," became very popular. Other famous blues musicians recorded it. Albert Collins, Johnny Copeland, and Robert Cray recorded it as "Black Cat Bone" in 1985. This song was on their album called Showdown!.

At the beginning of their recording, Johnny Copeland and Albert Collins talked about Hop Wilson. Johnny Copeland asked:

"Tell me something, Albert: what ever happened to Hop Wilson, man?"
"Well, Hop left us, man"
"He did, Albert"
"Boy he sure played that guitar over at the Red Lily Cube"
"Yeah he layed that steel in his lap, he'd be gettin' down"
"I used to like the way he said..." (song begins).

Since then, "Black Cat Bone" has become a well-known blues song. Many modern blues artists have recorded it, including Matt Schofield, The Nimmo Brothers, and Philipp Fankhauser.