Lucky Peterson

Lucky Peterson

Lucky Peterson is an American blues musician from Buffalo, New York. Born Judge Kenneth Peterson in 1964 and active until his death in 2020, he plays contemporary blues with elements of soul, R&B, gospel and rock and roll. His work also connects to jazz and funk, and he is known as a multi-instrumentalist, playing keyboards, guitar, bass, drums and trumpet, as well as singing in a soulful style.

Early life and child career

Peterson grows up in Buffalo in a musical household. His father, James Peterson, is a blues singer and owns the Governor’s Inn, a club that operates in the style of a Deep South chitlin’ circuit roadhouse and books artists including Buddy Guy, Junior Wells, Muddy Waters and Koko Taylor. Peterson starts on drums, then becomes drawn to the Hammond B-3 organ after hearing Bill Doggett. He also receives lessons from Doggett and Jimmy Smith. By the time he is playing regularly, he is also proficient on bass and piano and sits in with his father’s band, backing touring musicians such as Lightnin’ Hopkins and Jimmy Reed.

He begins performing at age three and records his first single by age five, produced by Willie Dixon. The record, 1,2,3,4, leads to national television appearances on The Ed Sullivan Show, The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson and What’s My Line?, establishing him as a child prodigy.

Professional career

As a teenager, Peterson sits in with Little Milton when the band needs an organ player, then joins the band permanently. After about seven months, he becomes Milton’s bandleader and opens shows with his own 45-minute set on vocals and keyboards. A three-year stint with Milton is followed by a similar period with Bobby "Blue" Bland as featured soloist. During a break in Bland’s touring schedule, he tours Europe on a package billed as Young Blues Giants and records his second album for the French label Isabel Records.

In 1988, Peterson leaves Bland’s band, moves to the Tampa Bay area of Florida and focuses on a solo career. He also works as a session player, contributing to releases on King Snake Records and to albums on Alligator Records, including Kenny Neal’s Big New From Baton Rouge!!, Rufus Thomas’ That Woman Is Poison! and Lazy Lester’s Harp And Soul. His 1989 Alligator album Lucky Strikes! features three co-written songs, with Peterson playing all keyboard parts and all but one of the guitar solos. The follow-up, Triple Play (1990), continues his mix of blues, Memphis soul and funk, with prominent organ, guitar and vocals.

Later recordings and recognition

After 2000, Peterson records Lucky Peterson and Double Dealin' for Blue Thumb, Black Midnight Sun for Disques Dreyfus, and Tête à Tête for JSP Records. In 2013, the Blackbird Music/55 Arts Club DVD Live At The 55 Arts Club Berlin is nominated for a Blues Music Award.

Musicianship

Peterson performs internationally and earns notice for his instrumental range, his organ-led sound and his ability to move between blues styles and related forms. He is associated with contemporary blues that draws on soul, R&B, gospel and rock and roll, and his playing combines keyboard work with guitar and other instruments.