Buddy Lucas (musician) facts for kids
Alonza Westbrook "Buddy" Lucas (born August 16, 1914 – died March 18, 1983) was an American musician. He was a talented jazz saxophonist and also led his own bands. Buddy Lucas was especially well-known for playing the harmonica in recording sessions with many famous artists.
He was born in Rockville, Alabama, and passed away in Stamford, Connecticut, at the age of 68.
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Buddy Lucas: A Musical Journey
Buddy Lucas was a very busy musician. He played in different roles throughout his career. He was a bandleader, meaning he led his own musical groups. Some of his bands included Buddy Lucas & His Band of Tomorrow and Buddy Lucas & His Shouters. He was also sometimes called "Big" Buddy Lucas.
Playing for Others: The Session Musician
Buddy Lucas was also a highly sought-after "session musician." This means he was hired to play instruments on recordings for other artists. He played with many legendary musicians. These included Horace Silver, Bernard "Pretty" Purdie, The Rascals, Yusef Lateef, and Aretha Franklin. He also played saxophone on recordings for Dion and the Belmonts.
Buddy Lucas's Music: Discography
Buddy Lucas released his own music and appeared on many albums for other artists. Here are some of his notable recordings.
As a Bandleader
- 1952: "Hustlin' Family Blues"/"I'll Never Smile Again" - Buddy Lucas and His Band of Tomorrow
- 1952: "Drive Daddy Drive" - Little Sylvia Sings with Buddy Lucas and His Band of Tomorrow
- 1954: "A Million Tears" - Little Sylvia Sings with Buddy Lucas Orchestra
- 1956: "Blueberry Hill"
- 1957: "Bo-Lee"/"Star Dust"
- 1957: "Hound Dog"/"When My Dreamboat Comes Home" - Buddy Lucas with Jimmy Carrol & Orchestra
- 1957: "Searchin'" Buddy Lucas
- 1967: Honkin' Sax
Playing with Other Artists
Buddy Lucas contributed his musical talents to many albums by other musicians.
- 1956: Fever - Little Willie John
- 1963: Hobo Flats - Jimmy Smith
- 1964: Unforgettable: A Tribute to Dinah Washington – Aretha Franklin
- 1967: Nina Simone Sings the Blues - Nina Simone
- 1967: Soul Drums – Bernard Purdie
- 1968: Once Upon a Dream - The Rascals
- 1968: The Blue Yusef Lateef - Yusef Lateef
- 1971: Quiet Fire - Roberta Flack
- 1971: Afrique – Count Basie
- 1975: Midnight Lightning Jimi Hendrix (released after his death)