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guitar lightnin lee

Biography

Guitar Lightnin' Lee is a rhythm and blues musician who grew up in the Lower Ninth Ward of New Orleans, Louisiana, a neighborhood steeped in musical tradition[3]. Born over 60 years ago, Lee was surrounded by music from an early age, absorbing the sounds of the city’s vibrant blues scene[3]. He received direct mentorship from New Orleans blues legend Boogie Bill Webb, which helped shape his deep-rooted blues style[3]. Over the years, Lee developed a reputation as a purist, dedicated to preserving the raw, soulful essence of rhythm and blues[1][2]. His career is marked by a commitment to authenticity, often performing with a band of veteran rock and blues musicians, sometimes much younger than himself, creating a dynamic contrast on stage[2][4]. Despite limited mainstream recognition, Lee’s music has found a niche audience, with several tracks available on platforms like the Free Music Archive, where his work has garnered tens of thousands of plays[1]. His legacy lies in his role as a torchbearer for New Orleans blues, keeping the tradition alive for new generations.

Fun Facts

  • Guitar Lightnin' Lee is known for his striking stage presence, often performing seated in a chair while wearing a cowboy shirt, a look that contrasts with his high-energy blues sound[4].
  • He has been described as defying 'all rational logic' by assembling a band of musicians significantly younger than himself, creating a unique intergenerational musical dynamic[2].
  • Despite his deep roots in New Orleans, Lee’s music has reached international audiences through digital platforms, with his tracks accumulating over 28,000 plays online[1].
  • Lee’s upbringing in the Lower Ninth Ward—a historically rich but often overlooked part of New Orleans—has deeply influenced his musical identity and commitment to local blues traditions[3].

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

  • Boogie Bill Webb - Direct mentor and teacher in the New Orleans blues tradition (Not specified) [Early career, exact years unknown]

Key Collaborators

  • His Thunder Band - Regular backing band featuring veteran rock and blues musicians (Recordings on Free Music Archive) [Recent years]

Connection Network

Current Artist
Collaborators
Influenced
Mentors
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Discography

Albums

Title Release Date Type
N.O.L.A Rhythum and Booze 2011-06-06 Album

Top Tracks

  1. Amsterdam (N.O.L.A Rhythum and Booze)
  2. She Means Trouble (N.O.L.A Rhythum and Booze)
  3. Missing Mama (N.O.L.A Rhythum and Booze)
  4. Miss Ala Bound (N.O.L.A Rhythum and Booze)
  5. Mean Little Woman (N.O.L.A Rhythum and Booze)
  6. Write a Letter (N.O.L.A Rhythum and Booze)
  7. If You Don't Love Me (N.O.L.A Rhythum and Booze)
  8. I Love La (N.O.L.A Rhythum and Booze)
  9. It's a Sin (N.O.L.A Rhythum and Booze)

Heard on WWOZ

guitar lightnin lee has been played 3 times on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.

DateTimeTitleShowSpotify
Nov 24, 202515:21amsterdamfrom rare traks nola rhythm and bloozeBlues Eclecticw/ Andrew Grafe
Nov 11, 202508:57I Love Lafrom N.O.L.A Rhythum and BoozeThe Morning Setw/ Fox Duhon or Mark LaMaire
Oct 13, 202514:35amsterdamfrom rare traks nola rhythm and bloozeBlues Eclecticw/ Andrew Grafe