Claude Hopkins

Biography

Handsome Claude Hopkins was one of the top bandleaders and had one of the top bands of the 1930s and 1940s. Claude Hopkins music was like him * irrestible, smooth and easy to like. Claude Hopkins music could take your mind off your troubles, made you either want to dance, made you think, could make you cry, make you smile, no matter what sound his music had it made you stop and listen. Claude Hopkins was a grand arranger and composer. Claude could make any song his own, whether it be mellow or hot, he always added a touch of sweetness and classiness to it. Claude Hopkins was a superb, excellent piano player. His nickname was "Crazy Fingers" because of his fast fingers when he played piano. He performed all over the world at the top theaters, cabarets, and clubs in the U.S. and Europe such as the Roseland Ballroom, Savoy Ballroom, Cotton Club, and Club Zanzibar. Hopkins also was the first to perform in many first-class white clubs and theaters. If you couldn't get to the clubs and theaters, Claude Hopkins and his Orchestra had a nationwide radio hook-ups so the whole world could hear. His contribution to Jazz has been overlooked and his music should be considered with Duke Ellington, Count Basie, and Louis Armstrong. Till this day people are still becoming fans, his music leaves an impression and that's saying something. Claude and his band appeared in a few musical shorts and films Dance Team, Waywawrd, Barber Shop Blues, By Request, Broadway Highlights, which are available.