Linda Hopkins
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Linda Hopkins (born Melinda Helen Mathews, December 14, 1924) is an American blues and gospel singer.
Born in New Orleans, Hopkins was discovered at age eleven by Mahalia Jackson, and became very well known in her life time. She grew up singing and studying with the great Mahalia Jackson. Hopkins has long idolized Bessie Smith and won critical plaudits for her rendition of Smith in the theatrical presentation “Jazz Train”. She left New Orleans in the 50’s to become one of the great blues and gospel singers of our time. She has recorded classic, traditional, and urban blues, and performed R &B and soul, jazz, and show tunes, all with distinction and style. She has starred in several musical revues including:
- Me And Bessie, written by herself as a one-woman-show and as an homage to the great Blues singer Bessie Smith. The world premiere was in Los Angeles in 1974.
- Black And Blue, written by Claudio Segovia and Hector Orezzoli. The world premiere was in Paris in 1985.
- Wild Women Blues, written by Mel Howard. The world premiere was in Berlin in 1997.
Among the awards she has won are:
