Linda Hopkins - Walkin' and Talkin' Blues - a Legendary Voice of Gospel and Blues (2025)

Linda Hopkins (1924–2017) was a versatile American singer and actress whose career spanned multiple genres, including gospel, rock, jazz, and blues. Born as Lil' Helen Matthews in New Orleans, she began her musical journey in gospel, performing with the Southern Harp Spiritual Singers during her teenage years.

In the late 1940s, Hopkins transitioned to secular music, moving to Oakland, California, where she collaborated with bandleader Johnny Otis. Otis gave her the stage name Linda Hopkins and featured her as a vocalist in his ensemble. During this period, she recorded tracks like "Doggin' Blues," showcasing her powerful vocal abilities.

Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, Hopkins continued to evolve as an artist, exploring jazz and blues. She performed internationally and recorded for labels such as Federal Records and Atlantic's Atco subsidiary. A notable collaboration during this time was with Jackie Wilson, resulting in a duet that achieved chart success.

In addition to her recording career, Hopkins made significant contributions to theater. She took acting lessons from Stella Adler and won a Tony Award for her performance in the musical "Inner City." Hopkins also wrote and starred in a one-woman show about blues legend Bessie Smith, further solidifying her status as a dynamic performer.

Despite limited commercial success in the recording industry, Linda Hopkins's immense talent and adaptability allowed her to leave a lasting impact across various musical and theatrical platforms. Her dedication to her craft and her ability to transcend genres made her a respected and influential figure in the entertainment world.

Tracklist:
1 Mama's Doin' the Twist
2 Sad And Lonely
3 I Can't
4 Happiness
5 The Magic Song
6 Is This Goodbye
7 Warning Blues
8 Living And Loving You
9 Walkin' And Talkin' Blues