|
Donald's Encyclopedia of Popular MusicA B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y ZCOPELAND, Johnny(b 27 March '37, Hopewell LA; d 3 July '97) Blues singer/guitarist. To Arkansas as an infant; to Houston TX '50; was a boxer as well as playing guitar. Led local bands backing visiting stars like Sonny Boy Williamson, Big Mama Thornton; began recording '58 but had no more than regional success. To NYC '75, became a local star in Harlem; debut LP Copeland Special '77 (featuring 'Black Arthur' Blythe) released on Rounder '81; then Make My Home Where I Hang My Hat and Texas Twister; further Rounder albums: Bring It All Back Home, Ain't Nothin' But A Party, Boom Boom, compilation When The Rain Starts Fallin'; also I'll Be Around '84 on Mr R&B (Swedish label), Flyin' High '93 on Verve. He was regarded as an heir to blues chair of T-Bone Walker and Freddie King. Showdown! on Alligator '85 with Robert Cray and Albert Collins made Billboard charts '86. |