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Welcome to The Houston Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Hudson House expands, Drake's opening set.

• Texas A&M hosts Texas in SEC opener.

• A deep dive into the life of Lightnin' Hopkins.

• And more…

Quote of the Week

"We don't see things as they are, we see them as we are."

– Anais Nin

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Trivia

Which Houston skyscraper was the tallest in the city upon its completion in 1983?

A) Wells Fargo Plaza

B) JPMorgan Chase Tower

C) Williams Tower

D) Bank of America Center

Answer to Last Week’s Trivia:

The largest medical complex in the world located in Houston is C) Texas Medical Center.

The Best Stories Of The Week

💼Business

Vandelay Hospitality expanding Hudson House in Houston, sets Drake's opening date. (link)

Texas Roadhouse-owned fast-casual chain to open first Houston-area location. (link)

🏒Sports

Texas A&M will host newcomer Texas to open SEC play in men’s basketball. (link)

Brother/sister act: Ogunbowales craft pro careers with Texans, WNBA's Wings. (link)

🏦Finance

Mayor Whitmire Appoints Experienced Leader as City’s Interim Finance Director. (link)

Upcoming Events

Here are some events that are happening in our city this week. There is a good mix between sports, entertainment, conferences, concerts, and more.

Sports

⚽ Waltrip Varsity Volleyball vs Sterling
6800 Fairway Dr, Houston, TX
Tuesday, Aug 27th | 6:00 pm | (More info)

⚽ Chick-fil-A Football Night
25601 Nelson Way, Katy, TX
Tuesday, Aug 27th | Time varies | (More info)

Music & Concerts

🎵 Luke Bower
White Oak Music Hall - Upstairs , Houston, TX
Monday, Aug 26th | 7:00 PM | (More info)

🎸Tems: Born In The Wild Tour
713 Music Hall, Houston, TX
Wednesday, Aug 28th | 8:00 PM | (More info)

Family

️🍅 Family Story Time
921 Akron St, Houston, TX
Thursday, August 29th | 11:15 AM | (More info)

Image of the Week

Every week, I have a habit of making some AI art about our city.

This week, I typed in “Houston with a large, central, computerized public library” and this is what I got.

Let me know what ideas you have for this. I really enjoy making these types of photos.

Houston Historical Events

1997: Tropical Storm Allison causes severe flooding in Houston.

In 1997, Tropical Storm Allison brought unprecedented rainfall to Houston, causing widespread flooding and leaving a lasting impact on the city. Over the course of five days in June, the storm dumped more than 30 inches of rain in some areas, overwhelming the city's drainage systems and leading to catastrophic flooding. Homes, businesses, and infrastructure were severely affected, with many areas submerged under several feet of water.

The flooding caused by Tropical Storm Allison disrupted daily life in Houston, displacing thousands of residents and causing billions of dollars in damage. The storm also highlighted the city's vulnerability to extreme weather events, prompting a reevaluation of Houston's flood management strategies and infrastructure. In the aftermath, local and state authorities, along with the federal government, worked to improve flood control measures, including the expansion of bayou channels and the enhancement of early warning systems.

The experience of Tropical Storm Allison had a lasting impact on Houston's approach to disaster preparedness and resilience. It underscored the importance of proactive measures to mitigate the effects of future storms and highlighted the need for community awareness and preparedness. The lessons learned from Allison continue to influence Houston's efforts to protect its residents and infrastructure from the challenges posed by severe weather and climate change.

Famous People From Houston

Lightnin' Hopkins (1912–1982): Influential blues musician.

Early Life and Musical Beginnings (1912–1930)

Sam "Lightnin'" Hopkins was born on March 15, 1912, in Centerville, Texas. Raised in a farming family, Hopkins was exposed to the blues at an early age through the influence of his older cousin, the renowned bluesman Alger "Texas" Alexander. By the time he was eight, Hopkins had begun playing the guitar, and his natural talent quickly became evident. His early years were marked by the hardships of rural life, which deeply influenced his music, infusing it with a raw, emotional authenticity that would later define his style.

Struggles and Early Career (1931–1945)

Hopkins spent much of his early adulthood working as a farm laborer and playing music wherever he could—street corners, juke joints, and local gatherings. His travels took him across Texas, where he honed his craft and developed his distinctive sound, characterized by a driving rhythm and emotive lyrics. Despite his undeniable talent, Hopkins struggled to find success in the music industry during these years, recording a few tracks with little commercial success. However, his perseverance and dedication to his craft never wavered, setting the stage for his eventual breakthrough.

Connection to Houston (1946–1982)

In the mid-1940s, Lightnin' Hopkins moved to Houston, which became his home base for the rest of his life. It was in Houston that Hopkins found his greatest success and made his most significant contributions to the blues. The city's vibrant music scene provided him with numerous opportunities to perform and record. In 1946, he was introduced to the owner of a local record label, Aladdin Records, who recognized his talent and began recording him regularly. Hopkins' recordings from this period, including hits like "T-Model Blues" and "Shotgun Blues," brought him national recognition and established him as a leading figure in the blues genre.

Rise to Prominence and Influence (1950–1960)

During the 1950s, Lightnin' Hopkins became one of the most prolific blues artists in the United States. He recorded for various labels, producing hundreds of songs that showcased his unique blend of country blues and urban sensibility. Hopkins' music was characterized by its deeply personal lyrics, often reflecting his own life experiences and the struggles of the African American community. His powerful performances and ability to connect with audiences made him a popular figure on the blues circuit. Hopkins' influence extended beyond the blues, impacting the development of rock and roll and inspiring future generations of musicians.

Later Career and Continued Impact (1961–1980)

In the 1960s, as the blues experienced a resurgence in popularity, Lightnin' Hopkins' music reached new audiences, particularly among young white listeners and folk enthusiasts. He toured extensively across the United States and Europe, performing at major festivals and venues. Despite his growing fame, Hopkins remained true to his roots, continuing to live in Houston and perform in local clubs. His later recordings, including live albums and collaborations with other artists, further solidified his legacy as one of the most important blues musicians of his time.

Legacy and Recognition (1981–Present)

Lightnin' Hopkins passed away on January 30, 1982, in Houston, but his legacy lives on through his music and the influence he had on blues and rock musicians. Hopkins' distinctive guitar style and soulful vocals continue to be celebrated by fans and musicians alike. His recordings have been reissued numerous times, and his work has been honored with various awards, including posthumous inductions into the Blues Hall of Fame and the Texas Music Hall of Fame. Hopkins' connection to Houston remains a significant part of his story, with the city honoring him through tributes and memorials that celebrate his contributions to the blues.

Key Achievements:

• Recorded hundreds of songs, becoming one of the most prolific and influential blues musicians of the 20th century.

• Helped popularize the blues beyond the African American community, reaching new audiences in the United States and Europe.

• Inspired countless musicians in the blues, rock, and folk genres with his distinctive guitar style and emotive performances.

Summary:

Lightnin' Hopkins' journey from rural Texas to becoming one of the most influential blues musicians of all time reflects his extraordinary talent and perseverance. His connection to Houston was central to his career, providing the backdrop for his most significant work and allowing him to leave a lasting mark on the city's music scene. Hopkins' legacy as a pioneering blues artist continues to inspire and resonate, ensuring his place as one of the most important figures in the history of American music.

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-Matthew Larsen

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