Reggie Lucas facts for kids

Reginald Grant Lucas (born February 25, 1953 – died May 19, 2018) was a talented American musician. He was a guitarist, a songwriter, and a record producer. Reggie Lucas is famous for producing much of Madonna's first album in 1983. He also played rhythm guitar with the legendary jazz musician Miles Davis in the early 1970s.

Early Life and Musical Beginnings

Reggie Lucas was born in Flushing, Queens, New York, on February 25, 1953. He went to the Bronx High School of Science. However, he decided to leave school early to focus on his passion for music.

A Career in Music

Reggie Lucas started his career as a guitarist playing R&B and jazz music. In the early 1970s, he played with Billy Paul. From 1972 to 1976, he was part of Miles Davis's electric band. In this band, Reggie met a percussionist named James Mtume. They later became a successful music production team.

In 1976, Reggie and James joined singer Roberta Flack's band. They toured with her for several years, sharing their musical talents.

Becoming a Top Producer

After touring as a jazz guitarist, Reggie Lucas decided to focus on writing songs and producing music. This is where he became very well-known and received much praise. Reggie Lucas and James Mtume worked together to write and produce hit songs for many artists. These artists included Stephanie Mills, Phyllis Hyman, Lou Rawls, the Spinners, and Roberta Flack.

As the 1970s ended, Reggie Lucas began to work on his own projects. He released his own instrumental record called "Survival Themes" in 1976. One of his first big solo projects was producing Madonna's first album in 1983. He produced most of the songs on the album, including the hit song "Borderline". This album sold over five million copies!

Later, Reggie Lucas worked with other famous artists like Rebbie Jackson, Randy Crawford, and The Four Tops. He was also part of a group called Sunfire, which released one album in 1982. Reggie produced their single "Young, Free and Single".

In 1986, Reggie Lucas started his own recording studio in Jersey City, New Jersey, called Quantum Sound. Many famous musicians recorded there, including the Pet Shop Boys, Jodeci, and Jeff Buckley.

Personal Life

Reggie Lucas's daughter, Lisa Lucas, is also very successful. She used to be the executive director of the National Book Foundation. Now, she is a publisher for Pantheon and Schocken Books.

Reggie Lucas lived in Montclair, New Jersey, for a long time. He passed away in New York City at the age of 65 due to heart disease.

Awards and Achievements

Reggie Lucas received important awards for his music.

• In 1981, Reggie Lucas and James Mtume won a Grammy Award for Best R&B Song. They won for their song "Never Knew Love Like This Before", which was sung by Stephanie Mills.

Discography

This is a list of some of the music Reggie Lucas produced or helped create.

As a Producer

• Madonna – Madonna (1983)
• Models – Out of Mind, Out of Sight (1985)
• The Four Tops – Magic (1985)
• Randy Crawford – Abstract Emotions (1986)
• Rebbie Jackson – Reaction (1986)
• Bunny DeBarge – In Love (1987)
• John Adams – Strong (1987)
• Elisa Fiorillo – Elisa Fiorillo (1987)
• The Weather Girls – The Weather Girls (1988)
• Nick Scotti – Nick Scotti (1993)

As a Producer with James Mtume

• Stephanie Mills – What Cha' Gonna Do with My Lovin' (1979)
• Phyllis Hyman – You Know How to Love Me (1979)
• Rena Scott – Come On Inside (1979)
• Stephanie Mills – Sweet Sensation (1980)
• Gary Bartz – Bartz (1980)
• Stephanie Mills – Stephanie (1981)
• Marc Sadane – One Way Love Affair (1981)
• Stephanie Mills – Tantalizingly Hot (1982)
• Lou Rawls – Now Is The Time (1982)
• The Spinners – Can't Shake This Feelin' (1982)
• Marc Sadane – Exciting (1982)

As a Composer (Songwriter)

• Roberta Flack and Donny Hathaway – "The Closer I Get to You" (1978)
• Stephanie Mills – What Cha Gonna Do with My Lovin' (1979)
• Phyllis Hyman – "You Know How to Love Me" (1979)
• Roberta Flack and Donny Hathaway – "Back Together Again" (1980)
• Stephanie Mills – "Never Knew Love Like This Before" (1980)
• Madonna – "Borderline" and "Physical Attraction" (1983)

As a Band Leader

• Survival Themes (1976)
• Sunfire (1982)