Donna Hopkins has recorded and contributed to a wide variety of music. Here's the evolving collection -- please email us if you know of others we should add -- and yes, we'll remember to ask her too!
Our lyrics section is up and running. These lyrics are solely for your personal enjoyment in understanding the lyrics to the songs -- they are not to be used in any performances without obtaining proper licensing -- they are copyrighted as shown! Please feel free to submit lyrics from Donna's songs and we'll add them here.
Posted by: Hophead on Friday, February 17, 2006 - 12:54 AM
If you're familiar with the Donna Hopkins Band through live performances or her 2003 debut CD, Free to Go, then you already know she's worthy of attention. Otherwise, her Dynasonic CD release Live is a fine introduction.
Hopkins is legit: She's Alabama-bred, farm-raised in hard times. Her mom performed in rock bands in mini-skirts and go-go boots. Her grandfather's music was a tremendous inspiration.
Now in her early 40s, Hopkins has matured into a genuine triple threat as songwriter, singer and guitarist. As a songwriter (she wrote or co-wrote all 11 tracks), Hopkins seasons swampy, Gulf Coast funkiness with angular voicings of extended and suspended chords. Listen for examples on "In Spite of Yourself" or "Don't Ask Why." It's classic tension-and-release with a groove, and with lyrics revealing mileage, honesty and soul. It's survival music you can dance to. The grooves come courtesy of bassist Brian Ashley Jones and drummer Richie Jones, who are in the pocket throughout and who also add convincing harmony and backing vocals.
As a singer, Hopkins has a big, distinctive voice that effectively communicates varied emotions. The acoustic "Everything Money Can Buy," for example, puts you on the front porch on a summer evening, right about dinnertime.
As a guitarist, Hopkins can be at turns raw and articulate. She's her own woman, but think equal parts John Lee Hooker and Billy Gibbons, with a dash of Jimmie Vaughan and Robin Trower circa Bridge of Sighs.
The bottom line: Live sounds great, thanks to Dynasonic Mobile, and is a well-focused snapshot of an artist who has plenty of talent and the courage to be herself.
Posted by: Hophead on Saturday, September 17, 2005 - 01:53 AM
Donna Hopkins is a force of nature.
Long a part of the Atlanta music scene, the Donna Hopkins Band is poised to break out with their second album, Donna Hopkins Band – Live. Donna’s music comes straight from her heart – southern roots music from a woman’s point of view.
Selected as Atlanta’s Best Blues Artist in 2002 by Atlanta Magazine, Donna has assembled a trio of kindred spirits for this amazing band. With Donna on guitar, Richie Jones on drums, and Brian Ashley Jones (no relation) on bass, the Donna Hopkins Band has truly solidified.
Released to critical raves in February 2003, Donna’s first album, Free To Go, attracted a legion of fans to the Donna Hopkins Band. Alert listeners will discover a live, hidden bonus track on Free To Go at the very end of the CD, a soulful version of the old blues standard, “Time To Travel.” Noting the joy of her live performance, Hittin’ the Note reviewer Rob Johnson remarked, “Donna sings with unrestrained roadhouse soul and lays down a great slide solo as beer glasses clink in the background.” The excitement of this live performance carries over to the new live record.
By purchasing this 3 CD compilation that was professionally recorded at ZambiFest 2004, you are not only getting some of the best tunes (Southern Rock, Jam and a bit of Blue Grass) but you are also helping to support Ricky Keller's daughter, who is in need of daily medical attention. Dynasonic and Jamland Productions have teamed up with the Donna Hopkins Band and 15 other artists to help fund the Ricky Keller Fund. Last Memorial Day week-end over 20 bands got together to play at Neverland Farms in a tribute to Ricky Keller. Get your copy now and know that all net proceeds from each sale go to the foundation!
Atlanta-based Southern Living At Its Finest studio owner, musician/producer/composer/arranger and Emmy Award-winner Ricky Keller died from a heart attack on Saturday, June 21. His projects included string charts for Bruce Springsteen's The Rising, Train, Outkast, Papa Roach, Stone Temple Pilots and The Thorns.
Musician Bill Hatcher recalled, "Southern Living was ground zero for grass roots recording in Atlanta. Everybody passed through on their way to other things." Among those in transit was producer Brendan O'Brien: "I cut my teeth at Ricky's. Because he let us have a little more time, we had a chance to make independent records [for DB Recs] economically. We had a long, personal relationship."
If you would like to make a direct donation, donations can be sent to Grey Keller at 152 Michigan Ave., ATL, GA 30030 or 2. Deposits to Grey's custodial account at any BANK OF AMERICA as Rebecca G. Keller, custodian Carol Keller with account# 0032 6502-3681
Posted by: Hophead on Friday, August 15, 2003 - 10:45 PM
You can't fake soul.
Luckily, Donna Hopkins doesn't have to. Even more lucky for us, she is willing to share herself with others through music. In an era when music is a Product marketed by Big Business to Consumers, Donna's new CD Free To Go is the sound of one soul singing out in the wilderness, offering communion to anyone willing to listen with an open heart and open mind.
This record is marked by an honesty and depth of feeling that is reminiscent of the great blues masters. Donna cannot be confined to any one style, however, and Free To Go covers everything from Eastern sounds to gospel. The sum total is a dramatic announcement of a unique and refreshing talent, and one that deserves your undivided attention.
Posted by: Hophead on Friday, July 04, 2003 - 09:00 PM
Picked to play at the main stage at Lenox Square on July 4, 2003, the Donna Hopkins Band is the only blues band to perform at the South's largest fireworks celebration. Appearing in the coveted TV slot that day, Donna will perform live on WGCL Channel 46 prior to the gigantic fireworks display.
Riding the success of her recently released self-produced album, Free To Go, Donna is capturing the hearts of listeners everywhere. Sharing the stage with the Donna Hopkins Band will be Governor Sonny Perdue, as he welcomes back our brave soldiers from the Middle East.
You can't fake soul.
Picked to play at the main stage at Lenox Square on July 4, 2003, the Donna Hopkins Band is the only blues band to perform at the South's largest fireworks celebration. Appearing in the coveted TV slot that day, Donna will perform live on WGCL Channel 46 prior to the gigantic fireworks display.
If you're familiar with the Donna Hopkins Band through live performances or her 2003 debut CD, Free to Go, then you already know she's worthy of attention. Otherwise, her Dynasonic CD release Live is a fine introduction.
Donna Hopkins is a force of nature.