Linda Hopkins facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Linda Hopkins
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Linda Hopkins in concert
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | Melinda Helen Matthews |
| Born | December 14, 1924 New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S. |
| Died | April 10, 2017 (aged 92) Milwaukee, Wisconsin, U.S. |
| Genres | Blues |
| Occupation(s) | Singer |
| Instruments | Vocals |
| Years active | 1951–2017 |
Linda Hopkins (born December 14, 1924 – died April 10, 2017) was an amazing American singer and actress. She won a special award called a Tony Award for her acting. Linda sang many types of music, like blues, gospel, R&B, soul, and jazz.
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Her Early Life and Big Discoveries
Linda Hopkins was born Melinda Helen Matthews in New Orleans, Louisiana, United States. She grew up in a part of New Orleans called "Zion City". Her parents were Reverend Fred Matthews, Sr. and Hazel Smith.
When she was a child, people called her "Lil Helen Matthews". At age eleven, she met the famous singer Mahalia Jackson. Lil Helen convinced Mahalia Jackson to sing at her church, St. Mark's Baptist Church, for a fundraiser.
Lil Helen started the children's show by singing Mahalia Jackson's gospel song, "God Shall Wipe Your Tears Away". Mahalia Jackson was so impressed by Helen's talent. She helped the young girl join a group called the Southern Harp Spiritual Singers in 1936. Linda stayed with this group for ten years.
Meeting Bessie Smith
In 1936, Linda first saw the legendary blues singer Bessie Smith perform. Linda really looked up to Bessie Smith. Years later, Linda earned great praise for playing Bessie Smith in a play called Jazz Train in 1959.
In the 1950s, Linda left New Orleans. In 1951, she began performing at Slim Jenkins' Night Club in Oakland. There, she met Johnny Otis and Little Esther Phillips. They helped her choose her stage name, Linda Hopkins.
Touring the World
In 1952, Linda Hopkins toured Hawaii and Japan for two years. During this time, she even performed with the famous Louis Armstrong in Honolulu. She recorded music for several record labels, including Savoy and Atco. She often performed at the famous Apollo Theatre in Harlem.
Her Career Takes Off
In 1960, Linda first toured Europe in a show called Broadway Express. This was a new version of Jazz Train. She recorded a song called "Shake a Hand" with Jackie Wilson. This song became her only hit single, reaching #21 on the US Billboard R&B music chart. She also recorded other songs with him in 1962. Linda also studied acting at Stella Adler's Acting School in New York City.
Broadway and Awards
In the 1970s, Linda performed in the Broadway musical, Purlie. She also performed with Sammy Davis, Jr. for nine months. In 1977, she sang at President Jimmy Carter's special inaugural ball.
In 1972, Linda won a Tony Award and a Drama Desk Award for her performance in a show called Inner City. She sang "Do You Believe" at a political event, and 19,000 people stood up and cheered!
Me and Bessie
Linda Hopkins starred in Me and Bessie. This was a special one-woman show that honored the blues singer Bessie Smith. Linda helped create and write the show herself. It first opened in Washington, D.C. in 1974.
After playing in Los Angeles, the show moved to the Ambassador Theatre on Broadway. The show was highly praised and ran for thirteen months, with 453 performances. Linda was nominated for another award for her amazing performance.
Later Career and Recognition
In 1985, a show called Black and Blue premiered in Paris. This musical opened on Broadway in 1989 and ran for 829 performances. Linda Hopkins was nominated for a Tony Award again for her role in this musical.
In 1997, a show called Wild Women Blues premiered in Berlin. Linda helped create this show too. In 1998, Linda Hopkins celebrated 50 years of performing!
In 2005, a book about Linda Hopkins was published. It was called Motherin' The Blues: Linda Hopkins — The Continuing Legacy of The Blues Woman. In October 2005, Linda Hopkins received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. This is a very special honor!
Linda Hopkins passed away in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on April 10, 2017. She was 92 years old.
Her Music Albums
- Shake a Hand with Jackie Wilson (Brunswick, 1963)
- Linda Hopkins (RCA Victor, 1972)
- Me and Bessie (Columbia, 1976)
- How Blue Can You Get (Palo Alto, 1983)
- Here's the Kid: Live in Sesjun (Jazz Between the Dikes, 1994)
- Mel Howard Presents: Wild Women Blues (DRG, 1999)
- The Living Legend Live! (FreeHam, 2006)
Movies and TV Shows
- 2002: Cool Cat Theme Song with Derek Savage Productions
- 2003: Trolly the Trout Theme Song with Derek Savage Productions
- 2009: Linda Hopkins: Deep in the Night with Eddie Harris and Paul Smith
