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Linda Hopkins
1924 - 2017
Linda Hopkins
1924 - 2017
Obituary
Guest Book
BORN
1924
DIED
2017
Linda Hopkins Obituary
No cause of death was immediately available.
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She was born Melinda Helen Matthews Dec. 14, 1924, in New Orleans. When she was 11, the legendary gospel singer Mahalia Jackson discovered her. In 1936, she joined the Southern Harp Spiritual Singers, remaining with the group for 10 years.
After moving to California during the early 1950s, she adopted a stage name, Linda Hopkins. She toured Hawaii and Japan and later recorded songs on several record labels, including Atco.
In 1960, she toured Europe in "Broadway Express," a restaged production of "Jazz Train." That same year, she recorded her only hit single, "Shake a Hand," a duet with Jackie Wilson that peaked at No. 21 on Billboard's U.S. R&B chart. She also took acting lesson's in New York City at the famed school run by Stella Adler.
The 1970s were especially productive for Hopkins. She performed alongside Sammy Davis Jr. on Broadway in the musical "Purlie." In addition to her Tony Award, she received a Drama Desk Award for her acclaimed performance in "Inner City." In 1977, She performed at President Jimmy Carter's inaugural ball.
Hopkins received another Drama Desk Award nomination for her starring role in "Me and Bessie." She and singer-songwriter Will Holt co-wrote the one-woman play about the life of the blues singer Bessie Smith that debuted in 1974 and continued for more than 450 performances of the show.
In addition to singing onstage, she recorded five albums: "Me and Bessie" (1976) from the one-woman show, "How Blue Can You Get" (1982), "Here's the Kid" (1994), "Wild Women Blues" (1999), and "The Living Legend Live!" (2006).
Hopkins received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2005.
Celebrities shared their condolences on social media:
Actor and director Bill Duke: "Beautiful souls may have passed on, but their legacy remains. Linda Hopkins was a dear friend and will be missed."
Actor and playwright Harvey Fierstein: "Lost another irreplaceable American original - LINDA HOPKINS! ..."
Singer Cyndi Lauper: "She was so great."
Actor Dule Hill: "#RIP Linda Hopkins. One of God's great gifts. Thankful to have been blessed to share the stage w/ you❤ #BlackAndBlue"
55 Entries
Sharon Parker
October 15, 2022
Saw Linda many years ago in a little place in Greenwich Village. She was so fantastic,I kept coming back to hear her magnificent voice. I spoke to her&she was as lovely as her soulful,stunning&magical voice. How lucky I was to hear&meet her numerous times (I was hooked!) 50 years ago.I knew I was hearing greatness&such talent.Remember her like it was yesterday.Rest in peace,you wonderful soul.
Charlene Collins
May 24, 2020
I miss my. Godmother. Charlene
MARCUS HUMPHREY
November 19, 2019
OH MY LORD
MARCUS HUMPHREY
AKA MR. BOOGEYPUDDIN
Bro. Fleury OFh. D.Th.
February 3, 2018
Met her many years ago in Boston after a show she was doing. We met at the Park Plaza Hotel and it was her birthday. I gave her a large Opel pendent. Great smile and lady,she will be busy singing for the Lord in Heaven. Pax et Bonum., Bro. Fleury OFh. D.Th.
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February 3, 2018
M
Lisa McLeroy
January 15, 2018
Had the greatest time up hanging out, in the late '80s, early '90s, with her at her penthouse in Hollywood, flipping burgers and playing Whist! Sweet, sweet lady.
Joseph Howard
January 2, 2018
Rest In Peace Miss Hopkins . Thank you for the beautiful music .
Beno G
November 25, 2017
Hey "Kid" I just heard the news that you'd gotten your wings! I know you're somewhere singing your behind off. I love you for all my life.
The Kid in Paris!
Ohhhhh such great times
William Arthur
July 30, 2017
Rest in heavenly peace Ms. Linda!!
valerie caldwell
May 7, 2017
Sorry to hear the lost my name is valerie my daughtet was linda god daughtet her name was Latoya Ball which her dad name was Leroy Ball.Rest in peace.RIP
Christopher Brame
May 7, 2017
Dear Linda, you had a heart as big as all outdoors and a voice to match. It was a great privilege to be able to meet you on so many occasions and hear you sing. I'll never forget you. Save a bowl of that heavenly shrimp gumbo 'til I get there! :)
Kevin Ramsey
May 3, 2017
Dearest Linda and Mother to All:
Your spirit and memory will live on. Listening and dancing behind you as you sang "After You've Gone" in Black and Blue remains etched in my heart. Our conversations about our hometown of Newlines' while sitting in Howard Johnson's in between Saturday matinee's makes me smile. You made this world a better place Ms. Hopkins. I am forever grateful for being part of your journey. I love you eternally. Kevin
April 27, 2017
My condolences to the family may you endure this difficult time. Phillipians 4:6,7
NC
April 27, 2017
I'm so sorry for your loss, may the Almighty God, who binds up the broken hearted and comforts all who mourn, be with you at this time.( Isaiah 61:1,2)
Emily
Daphane BARNES
April 25, 2017
I will truly miss you I'm sorry I didn't see you when I was down last year. I will always you a true legend.
Jeanie Scott
April 20, 2017
~ "REST IN HEAVENLY PEACE, SWEET LINDA!!!" ~
You are already missed.
Jimmy will greet you I am sure.
Condolences to Linda's Family and Loved ones.
With Love,
Jeanie (Mrs. Jimmy Scott)
April 20, 2017
My condolences for your loss. May God soften your grief during this difficult time. Please find comfort in knowing how precious your loved one is in God's eyes. Ps 116:5.
Mrs. B. Jones
April 18, 2017
In Memory of The Lovely Ms. Linda Hopkins
Sorry to read of your great loss.
What a Talented Person!
As time goes by you'll recall, her Loving & Giving attributes to all she met.
May you honor her, by imitating the Fine
Qualities she possessed.
Jesus miraculous cures were a fore gleam of
what he promises for mankind in the future.
From--One who appreciated her music.
Beverky Clarke
April 18, 2017
I will always remember the many happy hours my family and I spent with you. It was always a joy to see you, and all the kindnesses shown to my family. You are now singing in the greatest choir with all the greats. You were loved. RIP . This is for THE KID. Beverly A. Clarke(Granddaughter of Bessie Smith).
Beverly Clarke
April 18, 2017
My memories of Linda will always be with me. I know she is singing her heart out in heaven. Rest In Peace Linda . I will always remember you and your kindness you showed to my family over the years. This is for The Kid. As always Beverly(Granddaughter of Bessie Smith).
Rose Duodu
April 18, 2017
Deepest condolences for the family member, the friends and fans of Linda Hopkins. May the memories of good times shared together help to bring comfort and peace to your hearts; at the most difficult times in your lives take comfort from God.
April 18, 2017
My sincere condolences to the family who have lost this gifted woman to death. God will comfort and sustain you during this difficult time because he cares for you. (1 Peter 5:6,7)
LaVerne Washington
April 18, 2017
Sending out condolences and prayers to the family of this great woman. Linda was called "Little Helen" by my father and aunt as children in New Orleans they grew up together and remained friends throughout her career. After I met her in the 70's she let me adopt her as my Godmother. I've always felt that we were family and really grew to love her. May she Rest In Peace and know that she was loved.
April 17, 2017
I am so sorry for your loss. May the loving God of comfort and prayers help you all through this difficult time. Psalms 9:9
Marie
April 17, 2017
Deepest condolences to the family and friends. May fond memories and prayers comfort you.
April 17, 2017
What a long and wonderful life! So many cannot say the same. Ms. Hopkins' fine legacy will surely be remembered. May she forever be in our hearts and in God's book of life.
April 17, 2017
My prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.
April 15, 2017
Our hearts go out to the family, friends and fans of Linda Hopkins. Death of a loved one is very difficult to deal with. So cherish the many memories and accept the love and warmth of family and friends to help you copy. May God Almighty continue to give you strength, courage but most of all peace in the difficult days ahead. Isa. 43:10, 13.
VH-IL
April 15, 2017
Linda Hopkins was an extraordinary Lady, may her memories be placed In a special place in your hearts as her music lives on. We are so sorry for your loss.
April 15, 2017
May the God of comfort be with your family now and in the future.
April 15, 2017
Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.
April 15, 2017
my deepest sympathy to the Hopkins Family. May the God of tender mercies be with you and comfort you during this sad time.
April 15, 2017
So very sorry for your loss. As you celebrate a life well lived, may your hearts be filled with joy and laughter, as you recall all the happy times you shared together especially singing together.
Sheila
April 15, 2017
Godspeed Linda.
michelle plakas-kaiser
April 15, 2017
RIP
April 14, 2017
To the family and friends of Linda Hopkins.
I'm so sorry for your loss. May the God of all comfort strengthen you at this time.
Carlotta
April 14, 2017
May the God of all peace bring comfort to the Hopkins family and friends at this difficult time.
Becky
April 14, 2017
My deepest sympathy to your family, and may you keep in mind the scriptural hope of life everlasting which can help sustain you through this difficult time-John 17:3
April 14, 2017
May the 92 years of memories of Linda bring your family comfort and prayer from family and friends strengthen you as our Heavenly father gives you the courage to endure this great loss now and in the days ahead.
DS
Harry Simpson
April 14, 2017
Godspeed Linda, and thank you for sharing a part of your life with us.
Betty
April 14, 2017
Ms. Hopkins was blessed to live a long life of special mightiness from God According to Psalms. 90:10. Keep her many, many memories close in your hearts and minds and cherish them forever. May the comfort of God be with you all during this time of grief.
April 14, 2017
Although we are never ready to say goodbye to a a loved one, we can celebrate our time together and life well-lived. During this most difficult time, remember this is exactly the time that God invites you to throw all your anxieties on him. pth
Valenda Newell
April 14, 2017
HOW GREAT THOU ART....MANY MANY BLESSINGS
April 14, 2017
During this difficult time the family have great memories of Linda life to help ease the pain but, rest assured that God the love of tender mercy provides comfort and strength also to ease the pain. My sincere condolences.
April 14, 2017
Deepest condolences, May the God of all comfort, comfort the bereaved family. Treasure the love and fond memories of Linda.
Jerry Pittman
April 13, 2017
Linda was a very close friend for 35 years. Going to miss her cooking and having good times with her. being her friend meant a lot to my wife, Carmelita and I.
Phil. 4:6, 7
April 13, 2017
May the peace of God be with you.
April 13, 2017
Hopkins Family.
Sorry to hear of the loss of Linda Hopkins. She is missed. Praying for the family.
Selma Boyd
April 13, 2017
Safe,Whole,and Intact
April 13, 2017
We are so sorry to hear of the passing of Linda, May her family and friends keep the fond memories and good times close in their hearts and minds at this time of deep sorrow. God love and care for you.
April 13, 2017
My condolences to the family. May you be surrounded by kind words, good memories and the comfort only God can provide.
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