Booker T. Laury

about

Booker T. Laury (September 2, 1914 – September 23, 1995) was an American boogie-woogie, blues, gospel and jazz pianist and singer. Over his lengthy career, Laury worked with various musicians including Memphis Slim and Mose Vinson. He appeared in two films, but did not record his debut album until he was almost eighty years of age. Lawrence Laury was born in Memphis, Tennessee, and grew up with his lifelong friend, Memphis Slim. At the age of six, after helping his mother play the family's pump organ, Laury learned to play the keyboards. His barrelhouse playing style, which he developed alongside Slim, was based on the influence gained from regular Memphis performers Roosevelt Sykes, Sunnyland Slim, and Speckled Red. In the early 1930s, and in the company of the younger Mose Vinson, Slim and Laury began playing in local clubs. In 1935, Sykes suggested to Laury and Slim that they relocated to Chicago, with a view of obtaining a recording contract. Slim took up the advice, but Laury decided to remain in Memphis, where he played in gambling houses and clubs for decades. Laury had a large hand-width, which enabled him to span ten keys. His playing dexterity was such that, after losing one finger on his left hand following an accident with a circular saw in the 1950s, he was still able to play well. Based around Memphis' Beale Street, as that area started to degenerate, Laury traveled around Tennessee, Arkansas and Missouri. Despite differing fortunes, the friendship with Slim di

top songs

albums

Blues on the Prowl

Nothin' But The Blues

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Great Balls of Fire

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Classic Piano Blues from Smithsonian Folkways

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Great Balls Of Fire (Soundtrack)

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Classic Piano Blues

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Blues Routes: Heroes and Tricksters: Blues and Jazz Work Songs and Street Music

Great Balls Of Fire!

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Deep Blue: The Rounder 25th Anniversary Blues Anthology [Disc 1]

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Essential Blues Piano (Disc 2)

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Deep Blue: The Rounder 25th Anniversary Blues Anthology (Disc 1)

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A Slice of Southern Music

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