Lucky Peterson
Legendary American Bluesman Lucky Peterson, master of the blues guitar and the Hammond B3, has died at the age of 55, according to his Facebook page. One of the most riveting performers of the modern blues era, Lucky Peterson was a lead guitarist, organist and vocalist. Lucky translated gospel, soul, R&B, rock and jazz into 21st century blues. He celebrated his 50th anniversary of performing professionally in 2019.
From Lucky Peterson’s Facebook page: “It is with great sorrow we announce the passing of Lucky Peterson on Sunday, May 17, 2020 at 2:25 PM CST in Dallas, Texas. He was at home when he became ill and was rushed to the hospital in critical condition, but unfortunately did not recover. At this time please respect the family’s privacy, but do keep them in your prayers.”
No cause of death was disclosed.
Born Judge Kenneth Peterson in Buffalo, NY in 1963, Lucky was the son of James Peterson, a blues singer and owner of “The Governor’s Inn”, a nightclub in Buffalo, New York. Willie Dixon, Buddy Guy, Junior Wells, Muddy Waters and Koko Taylor performed there regularly. Willie Dixon saw the five year old Lucky Peterson performing at the club and took him under his wing. He produced Little Lucky Peterson’s first album when he was only 5 years old, a single entitled “1,2,3,4” and follow up album for Chicago’s Today Records.
Before Lucky turned six, he appeared on The Ed Sullivan Show, The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson and What’s My Line?
As a teenager, Lucky Peterson studied at the Buffalo Academy for Visual and Performing Arts. Soon after he was playing backup guitar and keyboards for Etta James, Bobby “Blue” Bland and Little Milton. He also toured and recorded with artists including, Etta James, Bobby “Blue” Bland, Little Milton, Otis Rush, Kenny Neil and others, performing on many of their albums.
In 1989, Lucky Peterson recorded his solo album, Lucky Strikes! on Alligator Records, followed by Triple Play in 1991 also on Alligator Records. He went on to record many albums on labels such as Verve, Universal, Dreyfus, JSP Records, and others. He toured worldwide extensively with his band, The Organization, performing his original style of contemporary blues, fusing soul, R&B, gospel and rock and roll.
In 2013, the Blackbird Music/55 Arts Club DVD of Live At The 55 Arts Club Berlin he was nominated for a Blues Music Award.
In March 2018 Lucky Peterson was nominated by JAZZ FM in the UK for this year’s “Best Blues Act” award.
He is survived by his wife four children. RIP.
Lucky Peterson Online
I love lucky like a brother I first met lucky in 93 i open with my Band for him at milestone in Rochester NY he was rel good frined with my Dad. My dad always talked about how great he was and could play so many instruments. i hung out with for a coule day’s after that. I remember asking him what his favorite instrument was he said organ, I was amaze at that cause he played guitar so well. We went on to do other show’s together thru the years he was like my little big brother. i going to miss him . i will miss his talent and that devilish smile of his. I’ve learn so much from him i will continue to learn from him his music will live on forever. God bless him and his family
Lucky is one of the greatest bluesmen…ever. His live performances were just brilliant. He took blues to yet another level. Rest in peace.
Lucky and James both great showman and dedicated to the blues. Making people feel good with their super performances.
I will miss him. We talked about doing an album together. Sorry it never materialized. It’s a sad day.
I played Bass for Little Lucky at his father’s bar and we opened for James Brown at War Memorial Stadium in Buffalo NY I also went to New York City with Lucky, Willie Dixon Lucky’s father and others, we recorded at Columbia records. You will be missed may your family be comforted at this time.
I met Lucky while recording the Etta James album The Right Time. I was taken back when Jerry Wexler asked the organist (Lucky) to take a guitar solo, as Steve Cropper was playing guitar on the session. Willie Weeks noted my surprise, and said “Wait till you hear this guy, he’s like Hendrix”. Lucky didn’t disappoint one bit, and continued to tear up the B3, and guitar all week on the tracks we put down. Our paths never crossed again, but I often recounted meeting, and recording with Lucky Peterson, and the amazing player, and personality he was. RIP amigo.
Stephen Ferrone
May you rest in peace!! Tim and myself will truly miss you!!
I saw Lucky Peterson in Seattle sometime in the early-to-mid 1990s. I already had a couple of his CDs (Triple Play, I’m Ready), so when I heard he was coming to town I jumped at the chance to see him. He did NOT disappoint! In the middle of his performance, he did what he often has done – walked through the crowd playing his guitar. He kept going through the crowd, me following him, until he walked right out of the venue (for anyone who knows Seattle, a Pioneer Square bar) and onto the median in the middle of the street. I walked out there with him, still able to hear the amplified sound of his guitar coming from the bar. His fingers were blistering those guitar strings. I felt like I was witnessing my own private concert. It’s a moment I will never forget, and I want to thank Lucky from the bottom of my heart – if only he was here to hear that. I almost can’t believe he’s gone – but he will never be forgotten. RIP, Lucky!
Another bluesman passes on. Rest in peace Lucky.
My wife & I saw Lucky about 2000 at a small Blues club in Vancouver B.C. I had taken my film camera with me and Lucky came out in the audience. I took about 6 photos at the show including him in the audience. He must have seen me because he came over and sat on the arm of my chair as he played. My wife went to take a photo – out of film! I will regret it to my dying day. We loved Lucky.
We are shooting at Route 1 Guitars In Milford CT. Where one of Lucky’s Guitars is.
Lucky recorded my song, “The Other Side” on his 1999 album, Lucky Peterson.
Mike Gray