It's Really Happening: Lightnin' Hopkins Historical Marker on the Way

Chris Gray February 1, 2010 3:00PM

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Yes, you read that headline correctly. Today the Texas Historical Commission announced that Eric Davis' petition to honor Houston blues icon Sam "Lightnin'" Hopkins with an official state historical marker has been approved. Along with 243 others. Took them long enough.

"I am completely thrilled," says Davis. "I felt really good about its chances to be awarded, but you have to wait to be sure."

As a reward for his efforts, now Davis gets to wait some more. The historical commission now has to review and approve the text he submitted for the marker, which he hopes will be erected on the property of Project Row Houses in Third Ward - and near one of Hopkins' favorite bus stops - as soon as September.

"PRH is proud to be a partner in honoring the rich legacy of Lightnin' Hopkins who is so identified with our Third Ward community," says Project Row Executive Director Linda Shearer. "The placement of his marker at the corner of Dowling and Francis streets is a perfect location."

Although he has raised enough money to finance the marker's construction and installation, Davis' fundraising efforts, which drew contributions from as far away as California and Illinois, aren't quite over. There's still the matter of the dedication ceremony and program, so it's not too late to donate to the Lightnin' Hopkins Marker Fund at any U.S. Bank of America branch via account number 5860 1320 5659.

Email Davis at [email protected] for more information, or just to thank him for doing something that should have happened a long, long time ago.