You've Been a Good Old Wagon - Linda Hopkins 1978
Linda Hopkins is performing at one of the many Peter Appleyard shows recorded in 1978 in Toronto. She is accompanied by the Norm Amadio trio. This tune was first recorded by Bessie Smith in
1925 with piano and with Louis Armstrong on cornet,
Linda Hopkins born in 1924 is an American blues and gospel singer. Born in New Orleans, Hopkins was discovered at age eleven by Mahalia Jackson, and became very well known in her life time. She grew up singing and studying with the great Mahalia Jackson. Hopkins has long idolized Bessie Smith and won critical plaudits for her rendition of Smith in the theatrical presentation "Jazz Train". She left New Orleans in the 50's to become one of the great blues and gospel singers of our time. She has recorded classic, traditional, and urban blues, and performed R &B and soul, jazz, and show tunes, all with distinction and style. She has starred in several musical revues including Me And Bessie, written by herself as a one-woman-show and as an homage to the great Blues singer Bessie Smith. The world premiere was in Los Angeles in 1974.