Johnny Copeland
| Johnny Copeland | |
|---|---|
 |
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | John Clyde Copeland |
| Born |
March 27, 1937 Haynesville, Louisiana, United States |
| Died | July 3, 1997 (aged 60) New York City, United States |
| Genres | Texas blues, electric blues |
| Occupation(s) | Guitarist, singer |
| Instruments | Guitar |
| Years active | 1950s–1997 |
| Labels | Various, including Duke and Verve |
John Clyde "Johnny" Copeland (March 27, 1937 – July 3, 1997) was an American Texas blues guitarist and singer. In 1983 he was named Blues Entertainer of the Year by the Blues Foundation.
Copeland was born in Haynesville, Louisiana, United States. Influenced by T-Bone Walker, he formed the 'Dukes of Rhythm' in Houston, Texas, and made his recording debut in 1956, signing with Duke Records the following year. Although his early records met with little commercial success, he became a popular touring act over the next two decades.
His early recording career embraced blues, soul and rock and roll. He cut singles for Mercury, Golden Eagle and All Boy, amongst others. His first single was "Rock 'n' Roll Lily", and he later cut successes such as "Down On Bending Knees" and "Please Let Me Know". For the most part, his singles featured Copeland as a vocalist more than a guitar player.
Driven by disco to rethink his future, he moved to New York in 1979, and played extensively in the eastern cities. In 1981, he was signed by Rounder Records, releasing albums including Copeland Special (1981) and Bringing It All Back Home (1985), and touring widely. Copeland appeared at the 1983 Long Beach Blues Festival, and the 1988 San Francisco Blues Festival. He won a W. C. Handy Award in 1981 for the album Copeland Special and a Grammy in 1987 for best traditional blues album for the album Showdown!, recorded with Albert Collins and Robert Cray.
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