RIP, Luckey Roberts (1887-1968)

Jazz pianist Charles Luckeyeth "Luckey" Roberts died on February 5, 1968, in New York. He was 80 years old and had been in poor health for a number of years, having suffered two strokes and been injured in an automoibile accident.

Along with James P. Johnson and Willie "The Lion" Smith, Roberts developed stride piano in the years following World War I. He is reported to have had very large hands, which allowed him to span 14 keys on the piano. He had incredible dexterity as well and his right hand was particularly fluid. He played for the Vanderbilts, Astors, and other wealthy families in New York.


In his book, The 101 Best Jazz Albums, Len Lyons recommends the album, Luckey and the Lion: Harlem Piano (Good Time Jazz S10035). (Buy the CD at Barnes & Noble.)

Roberts plays his own composition, "Junk Man Rag," here:

Robert
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