Robert Lucas (July 25, 1962 – November 23, 2008) was an American blues musician, singer, guitarist and harmonica player, who became the front man for the group Canned Heat in the mid-1990s and was also a solo artist.
Background
Personal life Lucas came from a middle-class family, and grew up in Long Beach, California. He took up harmonica at the age of 13. At around 16 he started playing slide-guitar.Billboard Artists/ Robert Lucas, BiographyThe Guardian Wednesday 25 March 2009 Pop and Rock, Robert Lucas by Tony Russell While at school in the 1970s, he wasn't into the pop music of the day. He preferred the older blues records.Los Angeles Times February 22, 1990 O.C POP Beat, Robert Lucas: A Back-to-the-Basics Bluesman by Mike Boehm
Career Lucas joined Bernie Pearl's band as a harmonica player after taking lessons from him. Some of the artists that he backed up as a harmonica player included Big Joe Turner, George "Harmonica" Smith, Pee Wee Crayton, Lowell Fulson, Eddie "Cleanhead" Vinson, and Percy Mayfield. In 1986, he formed the band Luke & The Locomotives.Billboard Artists/ Robert Lucas, Biography In 1992, he played shows in the UK in support of his AudioQuest album Built For Comfort. His backing musicians were: Rick Lacey (drums), Ian Edmundson (bass), and Gary Burnett (guitar). In 1993, he was one of the many acts scheduled to play at the Orange County Blues Festival.Orange Coast Magazine November 1993 Page 19 Dana Point, Orange County Blues Festival September 24, 25 & 26 1993 In 1994, he joined Canned Heat and fronted the band.New York Times November 25, 2008 Robert Lucas, Canned Heat Singer, Dies at 46 by The Associated Press He played on their 1999 album Boogie 2000.The Encyclopedia of Popular Music by Colin Larkin Canned Heat In 2000, he left for a solo career, but by 2005, he had rejoined the band.The Guardian Wednesday 25 March 2009 Pop and Rock, Robert Lucas by Tony Russell
Death Lucas died from what appeared to be a drug overdose at a friend's place in Long Beach, California. He was 46 years of age.New York Times November 25, 2008 Robert Lucas, Canned Heat Singer, Dies at 46 by The Associated Press
Discography With Luke And The Locomotives Luke And The Locomotives - Audioquest Music AQ-LP1004 (1991)Discogs Robert Lucas – Luke And The Locomotives
As solo artist Usin' Man Blues - AudioQuest Music AQ-LP1001 (1990)Discogs Robert Lucas – Usin' Man Blues Built For Comfort - AudioQuest Music AQ-LP1011 (1992)Discogs AudioQuest Music – AQ-LP1011 Layaway - AudioQuest Music AQ-LP1021 (1994)Discogs Robert Lucas – Layaway Completely Blue - AudioQuest Music AQ-CD1045 (1997)Discogs Robert Lucas – Completely Blue
References