Happy Birthday, Luther Kent!

Blues vocalist Luther Kent was born Kent Rowell in New Orleans on June 23, 1948, and is known for his powerful, soulful voice, as well as his band Luther Kent & Trick Bag, which mixes swinging blues with New Orleans R&B. He began his professional singing career when he was 14, and was influenced by Ray Charles, Etta James and Bobby Bland. In 1970, he became the lead singer for a group named Cold Grits, and in 1974 he joined Blood, Sweat & Tears. He toured with them until the end of that same year, but he never recorded with that group. In 1977 he released his first solo album, and by 1978 he had formed Luther Kent & Trick Bag with Charlie Brent, former musical director for Wayne Cochran. The band was very active during the 1980s and 1990s, and released 3 CDs under the name. Kent released a gospel album in 1996 which featured Allen Toussaint and Pete Fountain. In 2006, Kent toured Italy with Italian blues guitarist Robi Zonca and his band, and a recording of the show was released as album Magic Box that year. Apart from his solo work, Kent also sings as a guest with the traditional jazz group, The Dukes of Dixieland, and appears on some of their recordings. Kent continues to perform and is a regular performer at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival. Let’s wish Luther a very happy birthday!

Photo by Masahiro Sumori