Blu Lu Barker

Biography

Louise Dupont Barker, known professionally as Blue Lu Barker, was born on November 13, 1913, in New Orleans, Louisiana. Growing up in a vibrant musical environment, she began performing bawdy blues songs on street corners from a young age, influenced by the rich cultural tapestry of New Orleans. At just 13, she left school and married guitarist Danny Barker, with whom she moved to New York City in 1930. Their partnership would become central to her career, as Danny promoted her singing and facilitated her entry into the professional jazz and blues scene.[1][3][4]

Blue Lu Barker's recording career began in earnest in 1938 with her first session for Vocalion Records, where she adopted her stage name. Her debut single, "Don’t You Feel My Leg" (also known as "Don’t You Make Me High"), became an immediate hit and established her as a leading female blues vocalist. She recorded extensively for Decca, Apollo, and Capitol, collaborating with jazz legends and appearing alongside artists such as Cab Calloway and Jelly Roll Morton. Barker's style combined playful, risqué lyrics with a distinctive vocal delivery, blending swing, blues, and jazz influences. Her career spanned several decades, with notable periods of retirement and resurgence, including a final live recording at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival in 1998.[1][2][3][4]

Blue Lu Barker's legacy is deeply intertwined with the history of New Orleans jazz and blues. She was inducted into the Louisiana Blues Hall of Fame in 1997, and her funeral in 1998 was a major event in New Orleans, celebrated with traditional jazz funeral rites. Her influence extended beyond her recordings, inspiring artists such as Billie Holiday and contributing to the revival of traditional New Orleans jazz through her performances and collaborations. Barker's enduring appeal is reflected in the continued popularity of her songs, notably "Don’t You Feel My Leg," which was revived by Maria Muldaur in the 1980s.[1][2][3][4]

Fun Facts

• Blue Lu Barker’s father ran a grocery store and pool hall in New Orleans, profiting during Prohibition by selling bootleg liquor.[1]
• Her stage name was created by reversing her own suggestion of 'Lu Blue' to 'Blue Lu' at her first Vocalion recording session.[4]
• Her risqué hit "Don’t You Feel My Leg" was originally titled "Don’t You Make Me High" due to concerns from record executives about its suggestive lyrics.[4]
• Her funeral in New Orleans was a major city event, featuring traditional jazz funeral rites and a video broadcast.[1][2]

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Danny Barker - Her husband and musical partner, who promoted her singing and introduced her to key jazz circles in New York. (Collaborative recordings for Decca, Apollo, and Capitol; live performances.) [1930s–1994]

Key Collaborators

• Danny Barker - Primary collaborator, guitarist, and co-writer of her signature songs. ("Don’t You Feel My Leg," numerous recordings and performances.) [1930s–1994]
• Jelly Roll Morton - Appeared alongside Morton in performances. (Live performances in New York.) [1930s–1940s]
• Cab Calloway - Shared the stage in various jazz and blues shows. (Live performances.) [1930s–1940s]
• Charlie Parker - Participated in Apollo label jam sessions. (Apollo sessions.) [1940s]

Artists Influenced

• Billie Holiday - Holiday cited Blue Lu Barker as her biggest influence. (Holiday’s vocal style and repertoire.) [1930s–1950s]
• Maria Muldaur - Revived Barker’s signature song, "Don’t You Feel My Leg," in the 1980s. ("Don’t You Feel My Leg" (cover version).) [1980s]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. A Little Bird Told Me (10-26-48) (Complete Jazz Series 1946 - 1949)
2. A Little Bird Told Me (Capitol Records From The Vaults: "Vine Street Divas")
3. A little bird told me so (Blue Lu Barker, A famous jazz and blues singer from New Orleans)
4. A Little Bird Told Me (Call Me Blue Lu)
5. Here's A Little Girl From Jacksonville (10-26-48) (Complete Jazz Series 1946 - 1949)
6. Loan Me Your Husband (Call Me Blue Lu)
7. Don't You Make Me High - Single Version (Men Are Like Street Cars - Women Blues Singers 1928 - 1969)
8. Don't You Feel My Leg (New Orleans Lady)
9. Don't You Feel My Leg (08-25-46) (Complete Jazz Series 1946 - 1949)
10. Trombone Man Blues (ABC Of The Blues Vol 4)

External Links

• Spotify
• Wikipedia