Biography
Leroy Lloyd was a pioneering R&B and blues instrumentalist from South Carolina who established himself as a significant figure in the Southern music scene during the 1950s through 1970s. He fronted his own popular band, The Swinging Dukes (also known as The Swingin' Dukes), which became an integral part of Augusta, Georgia's musical heritage. Lloyd's career was marked by his work as a talented horn player and bandleader, and he toured extensively across the southern United States, performing with major artists including James Brown and Jackie Wilson. Beyond his musical pursuits, Lloyd later became a businessman, serving as the former owner of New Image Paint and Body Shop in Augusta. The Swinging Dukes maintained a long and active career, with various singers and band members rotating through the ensemble over the decades, and the group continued performing into the 1990s. Lloyd's contributions to R&B and blues music made him an essential figure in Augusta's cultural landscape, with historians noting that it is nearly impossible to discuss the city's musical past without acknowledging his influence.
Fun Facts
- Newton Collier, a horn player, was approached by Leroy Lloyd and the Swingin' Dukes during a night out and subsequently joined the band as a musician.
- Leroy Lloyd co-wrote 'I've Got To Tell You' with Finley Duncan, a song that stylistically resembled Geater Davis' cover version of 'Your Precious Love'.
- The Swinging Dukes recorded 'The James Brown Boogaloo' and maintained various singers and band members throughout their long career spanning multiple decades.
- Lloyd passed away in February 2016, with his memorial service held on Tuesday, February 9, 2016 in Augusta, Georgia.
Musical Connections
Key Collaborators
- James Brown - Touring artist and major collaborator (Live performances and tours) [1950s-1970s]
- Jackie Wilson - Touring artist and major collaborator (Live performances and tours) [1950s-1970s]
- Finley Duncan - Co-writer and collaborator (I've Got To Tell You) [Unknown]
- Newton Collier - Band member - horn player (The Swinging Dukes) [Unknown]
Connection Network
Discography
Top Tracks
- A Taste Of The Blues (Blue Diamonds: Southern Soul Gems)
External Links
- Spotify
- [Wikipedia](Not found)
Heard on WWOZ
leroy lloyd & the dukes has been played 1 time on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.