Lonnie Youngblood facts for kids

Lonnie Thomas, born on August 3, 1941, in Augusta, Georgia, is a talented American saxophonist and bandleader. He is famous for playing music with the legendary guitarist Jimi Hendrix. He is known by his stage name, Lonnie Youngblood.

Lonnie Youngblood's Musical Journey

Lonnie Youngblood was inspired by other musicians. His biggest influence was King Curtis. But when he was very young, he loved listening to Louis Jordan, who was his mother's favorite artist.

In 1966, Youngblood played music with Jimi Hendrix. They worked on recording sessions with different singers for a producer named Johnny Brantley. From these sessions, Lonnie Youngblood released two singles: "Goodbye, Bessie Mae" / "Soul Food (That's What I Like)" and "Go Go Shoes" (Parts 1 & 2).

After Jimi Hendrix passed away, the producer Johnny Brantley released an album. This album included Youngblood's singles and other songs from those sessions. Lonnie also worked with Jimi Hendrix in a group called Curtis Knight and the Squires.

How Lonnie Got His Stage Name

Lonnie Youngblood's first professional music job was in 1959. He played backup for a singer named Pearl Reaves. She actually gave him his famous stage name! The first time she saw him, she said, "Oh, he's just a baby!" From that day on, Lonnie Thomas became Lonnie Youngblood.

Early Success as a Bandleader

Youngblood's first song as a solo artist was "Heartbreak." It became a hit! This success helped him become a bandleader for other famous artists. He led bands for singers like Faye Adams, Buster Brown, and Baby Washington.

During the 1960s, Lonnie Youngblood often performed at college campuses. He played many times at the Alpha Delta Phi fraternity at Dartmouth College. This fraternity was part of the inspiration for the "Delta House" in the movie Animal House.

Working with Music Legends

After the 1966 recording sessions, Lonnie Youngblood and Jimi Hendrix did not play together often. However, in 1969, they were photographed jamming on stage in New York. Around this time, Jimi Hendrix also added a guitar part to Lonnie Youngblood's song "Georgia Blues." The two musicians remained friends until Jimi's death in 1970.

For the rest of the 1960s, Lonnie Youngblood mostly worked as a backup musician. He played with many great soul artists. These included James Brown, Jackie Wilson, Ben E. King, and Sam & Dave.

The recordings that Lonnie Youngblood made with Jimi Hendrix were released on two singles. These were "Soul Food (That's a What I Like)" / "Goodbye, Bessie Mae" and "Go Go Shoes" / "Go Go Place." These songs came out while Jimi Hendrix was still alive.

Today, Lonnie Youngblood still performs. He is often called the "Prince of Harlem" because of his musical talent.

Lonnie Youngblood's Albums and Singles

Lonnie Youngblood has released several albums over the years.

Solo Albums

• Live At The Sugar Shack (1971)
• Sweet Sweet Tootie (1973)
• Lonnie Youngblood (1977)

All these albums were released on the Turbo Records label.

• Feelings (1981) was released by Warner Music Group.

In 2011, he recorded an album with electric organ player Dave "Baby" Cortez.

Singles Released

• "Go Go Shoes" / "Go Go Place" (Fairmount Records F-1002, 1966)
• "Soul Food (That's a What I Like)" / "Goodbye, Bessie Mae" (Fairmount Records F-1022, 1967)
• "African Twist - Part 1" / "African Twist" - Part 2 (Loma 2081, October 1967)

Albums Released

• Live At The Sugar Shack (Turbo Records TU 7003, 1971)
• Sweet Sweet Tootie (Turbo Records TU-7011, 1973)
• Two Great Experiences Together (Maple Record Co LPM 6004, 1971) (This album features Jimi Hendrix & Lonnie Youngblood)
• Lonnie Youngblood (Turbo Records TU-7019, 1977)