RHopper

Randy Hopper

Small Town Guy, Big Time Talent

by Lone Star Mama

I first heard Randy Hopper at a private party in a barn on a cold and wet Saturday night in March. I listened from just outside the door, remarking to my husband that we should get to Buffalo Joe's sometime and see him perform. He was quite good.

Some months later I was introduced to Randy at Love and War in Texas. He had come just to take in some good music. We began to talk, and I found out he is from Blue Ridge, Texas - a town not too far from my hometown. We visited and laughed about our upbringing as if we had practically grown up together. It was here I discovered that Randy Hopper was not only a talented performer, but a top-notch guy as well.

In August, we had the privilege of finally hearing Randy perform again, this time at Love and War in Texas. He was the "warm-up" band for the Shiner Sunday line-up, which included Tommy Alverson, LeeRoy Parnell, and Ed Burleson. As Randy took the stage, the first thing I noticed was that his confidence level seemed much stronger than it was the first time I saw him. He took the stage with ease and energy! From the first notes he played until he left the stage, he had the crowd in awe. He put on one of the finest performances we saw at Shiner Sundays this year. His lyrics, his voice, his smile, his eye contact with the audience and his energy were all crowd pleasers. Most importantly, through his music, it was obvious he was having fun, just like us.

Those who were there that day might remember that the second song he did in his set was "Texas Angel", and he dedicated it to my daughter Sarah, saying he looked down and saw her there, and felt that she was a precious angel. Sarah was really thrilled, and she sat in my lap with a grin and deep dimples. I think he gained a little fan for life. From that day forward, when she sees Randy, she begs to run and give him a hug.

Randy returned to "warm up" for Sisters Morales and Macon Greyson just a couple weeks ago. He actually began by asking friend and "drummer for the evening", Clay Potter, to do a few songs for us. You can read about Clay very soon as I am writing a review on him as well.

Randy took the stage with his fine band and began to play. Again, he amazed the crowd, and made new fans of those that hadn't heard him. We all have our favorites, but folks, it doesn't get much better than Randy. He often adds a lot of fun to his music by grabbing an empty beer bottle off a table and using it on the frets of his guitar to play his music.

At the end of Randy's set on this night, he stood on the stage away from the microphone and sang, "Peace." Chills, tears, emotion. I was very overwhelmed. It's an extremely appropriate song now after the great tragedy of the September 11th attack on our country. His second verse:

"I'm prayin' for peace on earth tonight,

but I'm not afraid to stand up and fight.

I challenge you right now to do what's right,

and pray for peace on earth tonight."

I picked up Randy's CD "Nothing to Hide" and I gotta tell you, it's a good one. The song "Peace" is on it, and it's almost like a different song than the one I heard at L&W. It's still wonderful, but pales in comparison to that a capella version I'll never forget. "Crazy About You" is one of my favorites, much because it transports me to sitting on that bench in 100 degree weather watching him play. Randy can sing everything from a sweet love song, to some blues, to tearing it up with a rockier tune like "Extraordinary Girl".

As much as I like this CD, I can tell you that his next one will be even better. T-Roy Miller plans to produce Randy's next CD, and says he thinks it will have more of a LIVE feel to it, and I strongly feel that LIVE is Randy's forte. His music coupled with his interaction with his band members and audience makes for everlasting, memorable performances. I'm glad I discovered this small town guy now, and I think we'll enjoy him just as much as he plays his way into the big time.

Randy's CD is available through Dana Jones

Written by Dana Jones, September 2001

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