Earl Gilliam was a pianist who, for over 60 years was a key figure of the Houston blues scene. A gifted self-taught pianist, it has been said that Gilliam could listen to a song two or three times and recreate it virtually note by note. Over the years, Gilliam played with such luminaries as Albert King, Albert Collins, and Lightnin’ Hopkins to name a few. He fronted his own band as well, entertaining Houston crowds throughout the ’90s and 2000s, but only released one album, Texas Doghouse Blues, in 2005. He also hosted the “Dog House,” a bi-weekly jam in his home for many years. Earl Gilliam died of lung disease on October 20, 2011. He was 81.
John “Rocky” Hill
December 1, 1946 – April 10, 2009
Rocky Hill was by all accounts, a killer guitar player, as well as the older brother of Dusty Hill, bassist for Texas rock band, ZZ Top. The Hill brothers began playing together in their early teens eventually forming a trio called American Blues with future ZZ Topper, Frank Beard on drums. The band broke up in 1969 when the Hills moved from Dallas to Houston. Dusty and Beard soon joined up with Billy Gibbons to form ZZ Top. Rocky, who was more of a blues loyalist continued on alone, at times playing with the great Lightnin’ Hopkins. He apparently struggled with drugs and alcohol through much of his adult life. Cause of death was not immediately released but was called medical in nature.
Mel Brown was a respected blues guitarist who was perhaps best known for his years playing for Bobby “Blue” Bland. He also played behind, Buddy Guy, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Etta James, John Lee Hooker and Lightnin’ Hopkins, to name a few. Over the course of his career, Brown released nearly a dozen albums and of course, played on those by numerous others. On March 20, 2009, Mel Brown died of emphysema at the age of 69.
Sam “Lightnin'” Hopkins
March 15, 1912 – January 30, 1982
Meeting Blind Lemon Jefferson at the age of eight was likely the moment that sent Lightnin’ Hopkins down the blues highway. But it wasn’t until 1946 that Hopkins got his break when he was convinced by Aladdin Records to go to Los Angeles to record with pianist Wilson Smith. It was the beginning of one of the most prolific runs in music history, as Hopkins made as many as 1000 recordings over the course of his career, believed to be the most of any bluesman. During the ’60s, Hopkins benefited from the blues and folk revival that lead to him playing alongside Pete Seeger and Joan Baez at Carnegie Hall. Lightnin’ Hopkins died of cancer on January 30, 1982. He was 69 years old.
Leroy Cooper was a jazz saxophonist who is perhaps best remembered for his nearly two decades playing with Ray Charles. During his time with Charles, at times as bandleader, Cooper played on such classic recordings as “Crying Time,” “In the Heat of the Night,” and his iconic version of “America the Beautiful.” Cooper also played with the likes of Joe Cocker, Lowell Fulson, Dr. John, Lightnin’ Hopkins and the Righteous Brothers. Leroy Cooper was 80 when he died of heart failure on January 15, 2009.
Thanks to Craig Rosen from Number1Albums for the assist.
Earl Gilliam was a pianist who, for over 60 years was a key figure of the Houston blues scene. A gifted self-taught pianist, it has been said that Gilliam could listen to a song two or three times and recreate it virtually note by note. Over the years, Gilliam played with such luminaries as Albert King, Albert Collins, and Lightnin’ Hopkins to name a few. He fronted his own band as well, entertaining Houston crowds throughout the ’90s and 2000s, but only released one album, Texas Doghouse Blues, in 2005. He also hosted the “Dog House,” a bi-weekly jam in his home for many years. Earl Gilliam died of lung disease on October 20, 2011. He was 81.
Rocky Hill was by all accounts, a killer guitar player, as well as the older brother of Dusty Hill, bassist for Texas rock band, ZZ Top. The Hill brothers began playing together in their early teens eventually forming a trio called American Blues with future ZZ Topper, Frank Beard on drums. The band broke up in 1969 when the Hills moved from Dallas to Houston. Dusty and Beard soon joined up with Billy Gibbons to form ZZ Top. Rocky, who was more of a blues loyalist continued on alone, at times playing with the great 
Mel Brown was a respected blues guitarist who was perhaps best known for his years playing for 
Meeting 
