Biography of Johnny Copeland

Copeland is associated with the Texas blues and has been headquartered both in Houston and New York for many years. A fine blues composer as well as guitarist and vocalist, he is one of the most well-rounded performers of the genre. Early recordings on Home Cooking and Crazy Cajun and two volumes on Mr. R&B are collections of singles originally recorded for many labels from the early '60s to the late '70s. Copeland's albums for Rounder Records begin in 1981, and it is here that the mature Copeland is to be found. A total of six albums were issued (and two collections from the earliest albums), and Copeland appears on the Grammy-winning Showdown (Alligator 4743) with Robert Cray and Albert Collins. Of the Rounder albums, all the US-recorded studio sessions are fine, leaving one live album (Ain't Nothin' but a Party, Rounder 2055) with a session recorded in Africa ("Bringin' It All Back Home," Rounder 2055) for specialists only. ~ Bob Porter