Died On This Date (October 20, 2011) Earl Gilliam / Texas Blues Great

Earl Gilliam
DOB Unknown – October 20, 2011

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.

Thanks to Albert Storo for the assist.

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Texas Doghouse Blues - Earl Gilliam



Died On This Date (April 10, 2009) Rocky Hill / Houston Guitarist; Brother of ZZ Top’s Dusty Hill

John “Rocky” Hill
December 1, 1946 – April 10, 2009

rocky-hillRocky 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.



Died On This Date (March 20, 2009) Mel Brown / Popular Blues Guitarist

Mel Brown
October 7, 1939 – March 20, 2009

mel-brownMel 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.

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Chicken Fat (Remastered) - Mel Brown

Died On This Date (January 30, 1982) Lightnin’ Hopkins / Blues Icon

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.

What You Should Own

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Lightnin' Hopkins: The Complete Aladdin Recordings - Lightnin' Hopkins

Died On This Date (January 15, 2009) Leroy Cooper / Jazz Sax Great

Leroy Cooper
August 31, 1928 – January 15, 2009

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.