This is a painting I created of Shemekia Copeland. Like any artist inspiration is a good thing. Listening to music and especially the blues, is a constant for my art work.
I created gouache watercolor paintings 18” x 24” of some of my favorite musicians. This is “Shemekia Copland” a great blues singer with a deep powerful voice. I would paint the artist, photograph the art and print 2 copies. On board the ship at the autograph party, I gave one to the artist and they autographed one for me.
“ She is a commanding presence, a powerhouse vocalist delivering the truth.” The Philadelphia Inquirer.
“Johnny Copeland” was “Shemekia Copland’s” father and known as a an American Texas blues, guitarist and singer. His early recording career showed he loved the blues, soul and rock and roll. In 1983, he was named Blues Entertainer of the Year by the Blues Foundation.
We saw Shemekia, just after her first album was produced. We were on a Blues Cruise. She was so young at the time that she brought her mother as a chaperon.
Shemekia has won many “Album Of The Year” awards and is a multi-Grammy nominee.The words to her songs are honest and powerful about her life and experiences. A few favorites songs on the album “Wicked” 2000 are “Whole lot of water”, “Beat up Guitar”, “Wild woman”, “If he moves is his lips” a song she sings with Ruth Brown is fun. Her next album “Americas Child” 2018 speaks of her thoughts and concerns as a black woman and new mother.
“I am so happy Shemekia is delivering these songs that the world needs to hear. Her voice is strong and soulful, and her message comes from her heart.” —Mavis Staples
I have heard songs off her new albums on the radio, but I realize now I need to get her latest.
“Uncivil War” and now with a fifth Grammy nomination for “Done Come Too Far”. 2024 and “Blame it on Eve”. She will be live at the Narrows center for the arts in Fall River Ma. Friday, November 14, 2025 8:00 PM https://www.narrowscenter.org/
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