Died On This Date (July 3, 1997) Johnny Copeland / Texas Blues Guitarist
themusicsover Johnny Copeland
March 27, 1937 – July 3, 1997
Johnny Copeland was a Texas Blues singer and guitarist who released his first of many albums in 1956. In his early days, Copeland was very popular along the live circuit, performing with the likes of Big Mama Thornton, Sonny Boy Williamson and Freddie King, but unfortunately that didn’t translate in record sales for him. In the early ’80s however, Copeland moved to New York City and signed with respected blues label, Rounder Records who went on to release a series of critical and commercial successes for him. Copeland, along with Robert Cray and Albert Collins won the Best Traditional Blues Album in 1987 for their Showdown!. Johnny Copeland died on July 3, 1997 of complications from an earlier heart transplant. His daughter, Shemekia Copeland has carried on the family name as a popular blues performer.
What You Should Own
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