Lloyd Price

Biography

Lloyd Price, born March 9, 1933, in Kenner, Louisiana, emerged from humble beginnings as one of 11 children in a family that ran a local restaurant. Immersed in music from a young age, he sang in a gospel choir and received formal training in trumpet and piano. His breakthrough came in 1952 with the recording of 'Lawdy Miss Clawdy' at J&M Studios in New Orleans, featuring Fats Domino on piano. The song became a landmark hit, topping the R&B charts for seven weeks and making Price the first teenager to sell a million records, helping to bridge racial divides in American popular music.[1][2][4][7]

After serving in the Army from 1953 to 1955, Price returned to a changed music industry but quickly re-established himself with hits like 'Stagger Lee,' 'Personality,' and 'I'm Gonna Get Married.' He became known as 'Mr. Personality' and was a constant presence on the national touring circuit. Price was also a pioneering African-American entrepreneur, founding several record labels (including KRC, Double L, and Turntable Records), opening nightclubs, and later branching into boxing promotion and real estate. His influence extended into the 21st century, with honors including induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and the National Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame. Price passed away in May 2021 at the age of 88, leaving a legacy as a trailblazer in both music and business.[1][5][6]

Fun Facts

• Lloyd Price was nicknamed 'Mr. Personality' after his 1959 hit 'Personality.'
• He co-promoted the legendary 'Rumble in the Jungle' boxing match between Muhammad Ali and George Foreman in 1974.
• Price was one of the first African-American artists to own publishing rights and start his own record labels.
• He lived in Nigeria for four years in the late 1970s and early 1980s, expanding his business interests internationally.

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Fats Domino - Played piano on 'Lawdy Miss Clawdy' and influenced Price's early sound and approach to rhythm and blues. ('Lawdy Miss Clawdy') [1952]
• Dave Bartholomew - Led the studio band for Price's first hit and was a key figure in shaping the New Orleans R&B sound. ('Lawdy Miss Clawdy') [1952]

Key Collaborators

• Harold Logan - Business partner in founding KRC Records, Double L Records, and Turntable Records; co-owned Turntable Lounge nightclub. (KRC Records, Double L Records, Turntable Records, Turntable Lounge) [1957-1969]
• Don King - Co-produced the 1974 'Rumble in the Jungle' boxing match and 'Zaire 74' music festival. ('Rumble in the Jungle', 'Zaire 74') [1974]
• Jerry Butler, Gene Chandler, Ben E. King - Produced and performed in 'The Four Kings of Rhythm & Blues' tour and TV special. ('The Four Kings of Rhythm & Blues' tour and TV special) [2007]

Artists Influenced

• Little Richard - Price recommended Little Richard to Specialty Records, helping launch his career; Little Richard adopted Price's energetic performance style. (Early Specialty Records releases) [1950s]
• Crossover R&B and rock artists - Price's success with 'Lawdy Miss Clawdy' and other hits paved the way for integration of Black and white audiences in pop music. (Multiple artists and genres influenced, including doo-wop and early rock and roll acts) [1950s-present]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. Stagger Lee (The Exciting Lloyd Price)
2. Personality (Mr. Personality)
3. Personality
4. Just Because (The Exciting Lloyd Price)
5. I'm Gonna Get Married (Mr. Personality)
6. Lawdy Miss Clawdy (The Exciting Lloyd Price)
7. Stagger Lee
8. Where Were You (On Our Wedding Day?) (The Exciting Lloyd Price)
9. Just Because
10. Stagger Lee (The Bandstand Version) (Personality Hits)

External Links

• Spotify
• Wikipedia
• MusicBrainz

Tags: #2008-universal-fire-victim, #new-orleans-r&b, #pop-soul