Lonnie Youngblood facts for kids

Lonnie Youngblood, born Lonnie Thomas on August 3, 1941, is an American saxophonist and bandleader. He is well-known for his music and for playing with the famous guitarist Jimi Hendrix. Lonnie was born in Augusta, Georgia.

Lonnie Youngblood's Musical Journey

Lonnie Youngblood loved music from a young age. His earliest musical hero was Louis Jordan, who was his mother's favorite artist. Later, he was greatly inspired by another saxophonist, King Curtis.

Early Career and Stage Name

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

Working with Jimi Hendrix

In 1966, Lonnie Youngblood played with Jimi Hendrix. They recorded songs together for a producer named Johnny Brantley. These recording sessions led to some singles being released. Two of Lonnie's singles were "Goodbye, Bessie Mae" and "Soul Food (That's What I Like)". Another single was "Go Go Shoes" (Parts 1 & 2).

After Jimi Hendrix passed away, Johnny Brantley released an album. This album included Lonnie's singles and other songs from those 1966 sessions. Lonnie also worked with Jimi Hendrix in a group called Curtis Knight and the Squires.

Lonnie Youngblood and Jimi Hendrix remained friends. In 1969, they were photographed playing music together in New York. Around that time, Jimi also added guitar to Lonnie's song "Georgia Blues."

Later Career and Collaborations

Lonnie Youngblood's first solo song, "Heartbreak," became a hit. This success helped him become a bandleader for other artists. He worked with singers like Faye Adams, Buster Brown, and Baby Washington.

During the 1960s, Lonnie Youngblood often performed at colleges. He played many times at Dartmouth College. He also worked as a backup musician for many famous soul artists. These included James Brown, Jackie Wilson, Ben E. King, and Sam & Dave.

Lonnie Youngblood continues to perform today. He is known as the "Prince of Harlem" because of his strong connection to the famous New York City neighborhood.

Lonnie Youngblood's Albums

Lonnie Youngblood has released several albums over the years. In the 1970s and 1980s, he released at least four albums.

Notable Album Releases

• Live At The Sugar Shack was released in 1971.
• Sweet Sweet Tootie came out in 1973.
• His self-titled album, Lonnie Youngblood, was released in 1977.
• All these albums were released on the Turbo Records label.
• In 1981, he released an album called Feelings with Warner Music Group.
• In 2011, Lonnie Youngblood recorded an album with electric organ player Dave "Baby" Cortez.

Lonnie Youngblood's Music Releases

Singles

• "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

• 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 (Jimi Hendrix & Lonnie Youngblood)
• Lonnie Youngblood, Turbo Records TU-7019, 1977