Lazy Lester

American blues harmonica player (1933–2018)

Leslie Carswell Johnson[1][2] (June 20, 1933 – August 22, 2018)[3] better known as Lazy Lester, was an American blues guitarist. His career lasted from the 1950s to 2018.

Lazy Lester
Lester in 2004
Lester in 2004
Background information
Birth nameLeslie Carswell Johnson
Born(1933-06-20)June 20, 1933
Torras, Louisiana, U.S.
DiedAugust 22, 2018(2018-08-22) (aged 85)
Paradise, California, U.S.
GenresSwamp blues, harmonica blues, rhythm and blues, Louisiana blues
Occupation(s)Musician, songwriter
InstrumentsVocals, guitar, harmonica, percussion, bass guitar
LabelsExcello, Alligator, Telarc

He was known for his recordings with Slim Harpo, Lightnin' Slim, and Katie Webster. Cover versions of his songs have been recorded by (among others) the Kinks, the Flamin' Groovies, Freddy Fender, Dwight Yoakam, Dave Edmunds, Raful Neal, Anson Funderburgh, and the Fabulous Thunderbirds.

In the comeback stage of his career (since the late 1980s) he recorded new albums with Mike Buck, Sue Foley, Gene Taylor, Kenny Neal, Lucky Peterson, and Jimmie Vaughan.

Lester died of stomach cancer in Paradise, California on August 22, 2018, at the age of 85.[4]

References change

  1. Eagle, Bob; LeBlanc, Eric S. (2013). Blues: A Regional Experience. Santa Barbara, California: Praeger. p. 179. ISBN 978-0313344237.
  2. Russell, Tony (1997). The Blues: From Robert Johnson to Robert Cray. Dubai: Carlton Books. p. 133. ISBN 1-85868-255-X.
  3. "Lazy Lester - Swamp Blues Pioneer - Blues Profile - Biography". Web.archive.org. 11 April 2006. Archived from the original on 11 April 2006. Retrieved 23 August 2018.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link)
  4. Nash, JD (23 August 2018). "Blues Hall of Famer Lazy Lester Dead at 85 - American Blues Scene". Americanbluescene.com. Retrieved 23 August 2018.