Houston Blues Society :: Home

LIGHTNIN' HOPKINS

MARCH 15, 1912 - JANUARY 30, 1982

(March 15, 2010) Today is the 98th anniversary of the birth of one the greatest blues musicians ever to live. Sam Lightnin' Hopkins was born in Centerville, Texas, but made Houston his home for the majority of his life.

A successful effort is underway to officially honor Mr. Hopkins with a Texas Historical Commission marker to be placed on Dowling Street in Houston's historic Third Ward. The marker was officially awarded on February 1, 2010. Currently, the Commission is reviewing proposed text for the marker before it is sent to the foundry for manufacture.

The Lightnin' Hopkins Marker Fund was established in November 2009 to raise monies to pay for the marker and other attendant costs. To date, the fund has received over $1,850 to pay for the application fee, the marker, and installation costs when the marker arrives in Houston. The fund, however, still needs to raise more funds to properly honor Mr. Hopkins with a dedication program and ceremony.

Money donations are still being accepted at any Bank of America branch for the Lightnin' Hopkins Marker Fund (acct # 5860 1320 5659). The Fund will also accept in-kind donations of printing, a sound system, and other materials for the dedication ceremony. For more information on in-kind donations please contact Eric Davis at redavis59@comcast.com.

Houston musician Lee Alexander has generously agreed to donate proceeds from all online downloads of his song “Wheel” to the Marker Fund.

Please visit http://www.outboundmusic.com/LeeAlexanderAndCo to purchase and download the song.

Please also be sure to visit Lee's website at www.alexandersongs.com for more information about his music and upcoming shows.

Thanks are, again, extended to the following for their generous donations: Houston Blues Society, Jack Henderson, Dr. Roger Wood, Dr. Alan Govenar, M. Dallas Hardin, Gina Manola and Nick Rudd, Charles White, Jamonica Phoenix, Karen and David Swinke, Geri Hooks, the Evans-Davis family and two anonymous donors.

Additionally, a big thank you is extended to Linda Shearer and Project Row Houses for allowing the marker to be installed on their property at the corner of Dowling and Francis in the Third Ward.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, LIGHTNIN'