Lazy Bill Lucas
| Lazy Bill Lucas | |
|---|---|
| Birth name | William Lucas |
| Born |
May 29, 1918 Wynne, Arkansas, United States |
| Died | December 11, 1982 (aged 64) Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States |
| Genres | Chicago blues |
| Occupation(s) | Singer, pianist, guitarist |
| Instruments | Singer, piano, guitar |
| Years active | 1940s–1982 |
| Labels | Various |
Lazy Bill Lucas (May 29, 1918 – December 11, 1982) was an American blues musician, who was part of the birth of the Chicago blues scene during the 1940s, 1950s and early 1960s, before taking his talents to Minneapolis, Minnesota, and becoming an important part of that city's blues history until his death.
Born William Lucas to sharecroppers in Wynne, Arkansas, United States, Lucas's family was always looking for better living conditions and worked their way north to Southern Missouri, then to St. Louis in 1940 and Chicago the year after. As a youngster, he sang on the streets of Advance, Missouri, where the mostly white audience preferred hillbilly songs, but in St. Louis in 1940, he teamed up with blues singer Big Joe Williams and started singing for a black audience. Until 1946, Lucas played guitar on the streets, often at the side of Sonny Boy Williamson II. Later that year, he formed a trio with Willie Mabon and Earl Dranes, joined the Musicians Union, and enjoyed a two-week gig at the Tuxedo Lounge. For several years, he played in various blues combos and played in various clubs, bars and street settings. During this time, he played with Johnny "Man" Young, Jo Jo Williams, Homesick James, Little Hudson, Snooky Pryor, and Little Walter. In 1950, Lucas switched from guitar to piano and worked as a sideman for various blues bands, and appeared on records by Little Willy Foster, Homesick James and Snooky Pryor.
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