Donald's Encyclopedia of Popular Music

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

HOPKINS, Claude

(b 24 August 1903, Alexandria VA; d 19 February 1984, NYC) Pianist, arranger, bandleader. Led excellent bands in the Swing Era that employed such people as Jabbo Smith, Vic Dickenson, Edmond Hall. Obtained degree at Howard U.; joined Wilbur Sweatman as pianist mid-'20s, led band accompanying Josephine Baker in Europe '25; led bands in Asbury Park NJ, NYC, Wash. DC; took over Charlie Skeet band '30 and had long runs at Savoy and Roseland ballrooms, Cotton Club. Band appeared in films Dance Team '31, Wayward '32, Barber Shop Blues '33, Broadway Highlights '35. Abundant airtime ensured success; record of "Trees' sung by Orlando Robertson was big seller '35. Disbanded '40, went to West Coast, sometimes leading, sometimes arranging for others. He formed a band in the mid-'40s to play Zanzibar club NYC; led combo in Boston and NYC, Zanzibar again '50-1. Worked as sideman from mid-'50s, with groups led by Red Allen, Wild Bill Davison, others; active into '70s. Compilations of the big band tracks '32-40 on Classics. This excellent musician never received the fame he deserved, but made solo piano LPs Crazy Fingers on Chiaroscuro and Soliloquy on Sackville early '70s.