David Whettstone
Guest Contributor
"Who is Lawrence Lucie?," you say. Why, he is the charming centenarian who was a lead jazz rhythm guitarist whose career has spanned more than seven decades.
A New York Times feature notes that he has played with the likes of Louie Bellson, Coleman Hawkins, Fletcher Henderson, Billie Holiday, Jelly Roll Morton, and Big Joe Turner. It also states:
"He is the last living person to have performed with Duke Ellington at New York’s legendary Cotton Club. He played with Benny Carter at the Apollo Theater in 1934, the year it opened its doors to black customers. He played with Louis Armstrong for several years and was the best man at his wedding."
Mr. Lucie, you have been on so many records and you have set several yourself. We salute and celebrate your latest record. Happy 100th! Happy birthday and congratulations.
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For more information on Lawrence Lucie and his music, you may want to check out this link to a commercial web site.
David Whettstone is a Washington, DC based public policy advocate and
writer who works at national and local levels, particularly in the areas of
civil rights and criminal justice. A native New Yorker, he’s proud that
his hometown has folks like Mr. Lucie and plenty of jazz – a genre that he
hopes is infectious.
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