STAGGER LEE
Lloyd Price was a popular artist of the 1950’s era, however, sometimes a forgotten
influence in the music scene. Born in New Orleans he wrote many hits that were also
revised by Elvis, Little Richard, John Lennon and a few others. Never using an
instrument on stage himself, nor travelling overseas to promote his music. Price had
the uncanny ability to modify his image accordingly with the musical trends.
From 1958 till 1960 he gave us a dozen hits.
Securing a job at Radio WBUK price was asked to write a station jingle, and at the
same time Art Rupe founder of Speciality records had travelled to New Orleans in
search of a new Fats Domino. Rupe immediately on hearing the song gathered a band including Domino on piano. The song became the record of the year, a number
one and the first to bridge the gap they say, of White and African American markets.
The song.
‘Lawdy Miss Clawdy’.
Moving to Washington and partnering Harold Logan in songwriting he signed with ABC in 1958, and found his music aimed at the then pop world with ‘Stagger Lee’
rewarding him with a Number one. His red album called Mr. Personality offered the
listener 15 solid tracks with the title of the record as a single and a number 2 on the
charts. Other Logan-Price compositions were to follow and charted well including
‘Lady Luck’.
He was an astute business person who knew the importance of having your name on writing credits to ensure continuing incoming funds. He also established a fund to help needy African American students. He formed the Prigan record label which
issued Chris Kenner singles.
He also formed the Double L label which produced the very first hits for Wilson Pickett, ‘If You Need Me’ and ‘Its too Late’ He brought a New York Jazz Club and named it The Turntable.
Footnote: The Lloyd Price Collection out on the ABC Label.
On his 77th birthday in 2010 Lloyd Price was inducted into the Louisiana Music Hall of Fame