Lloyd Price: The Rise of a Rock ‘n’ Roll Legend

A Singer’s Bio

Born on March 9, 1933, in Kenner, Louisiana, Lloyd Price is an American R&B and rock ‘n’ roll singer, songwriter, and entrepreneur. Price started singing in church as a child and later formed a group with his siblings called the Price Brothers. In 1952, he moved to New Orleans and joined a rhythm and blues group called the Dave Bartholomew Band.

Price’s Age

Lloyd Price is currently 88 years old.

Relationships and Children

Price married twice in his lifetime, first to Belle Harper with whom he had a daughter named Andrella before they divorced. He later married Janice Price, and together they had three children: Lloyd Price Jr., Ronald Price, and Tracey Price.

Height and Appearance

Lloyd Price stands at 6 feet 1 inch tall and boasts a charming persona. He often appeared in a stylish suit with his signature afro hairstyle.

Career

During the 1950s and 1960s, Lloyd Price became one of the most influential figures in the world of R&B and rock ‘n’ roll. He released numerous hit songs such as “Lawdy Miss Clawdy,” “Stagger Lee,” and “Personality.” In 1962, Price co-founded the record label Double-L Records, with the help of Harold Logan and Jack Lauderdale. The label recorded some of the most significant soul hits of the 1960s, including Wilson Pickett’s “In the Midnight Hour.”

In 1974, Price was appointed as the Commissioner of the Recreation Department of New York City. He also operated a fast-food chain called “Turntable” and later founded another label, “LPG Records.”

Top Songs

Lloyd Price has released numerous top-charting songs over his career, but we have listed some of his biggest hits:

• “Lawdy Miss Clawdy” (1952)
• “Stagger Lee” (1958)
• “Personality” (1959)
• “I’m Gonna Get Married” (1959)
• “Lady Luck” (1960)

Net Worth

Lloyd Price has a net worth of $3 million as of 2021.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What was the significance of “Lawdy Miss Clawdy” in Lloyd Price’s career?

“Lawdy Miss Clawdy” is considered one of the first rock ‘n’ roll records to cross over from R&B music to the mainstream audience. The song was Lloyd Price’s debut single and recorded in New Orleans in 1952. The song became an instant hit, and it sold over one million copies within a year of its release.

2. What inspired “Stagger Lee,” and how did the song perform?

“Stagger Lee” is a popular folk song that originated in the late 19th century, and Price drew inspiration from it to create his own version. Price’s “Stagger Lee” was released in 1958, and it became a hit, selling over one million copies. The song also inspired various cover versions over the years, including the famous rendition by the Rolling Stones.

3. What was the inspiration behind “Personality”?

In 1959, Lloyd Price released the hit song “Personality,” which reached number two on the U.S. pop chart. The song was inspired by the personality of DJ Earl King who was known for his engaging on-air personality. Price had planned to record a song about King’s persona when a friend suggested that he titled the song “Personality.”

4. What was Lloyd Price’s contribution to the music industry?

Lloyd Price made a significant contribution in the music industry as a singer, songwriter, and entrepreneur. He was one of the first black artists to gain crossover appeal with his hit “Lawdy Miss Clawdy.” He also co-founded “Double-L” records, which recorded significant soul hits of the 1960s.

5. How did Lloyd Price’s “I’m Gonna Get Married” become a hit?

“I’m Gonna Get Married” was another hit song by Lloyd Price released in 1959, which became his second top ten hit on the pop charts. The song was inspired by a scene from a movie, “The Bachelor Party,” which depicted a man so drunk at his bachelor party that he couldn’t recite his wedding vows.

6. How did Lloyd Price become involved in the fast-food business?

Lloyd Price established a chain of fast-food restaurants called “Turntable,” which he began in 1969. The restaurant was initially opened in the Bronx, featuring a soul music theme with memorabilia from famous musicians. However, the chain failed to expand, and he sold it a year later.

7. What inspired Lloyd Price to start “LPG Records”?

After the unsuccessful venture with “Turntable,” Lloyd Price established another record label called “LPG Records” in 1973. The label was intended as a platform for upcoming soul musicians. In 1979, he released his album, “This Is My Band,” on the same label.

8. What is Lloyd Price’s philanthropic initiative?

In 2013, Lloyd Price launched his philanthropic initiative called “Icons of American Music.” The project aims to recognize African-American artists who have made significant contributions to music history. The initiative comprises an online museum and educational program to inspire young musicians.

In Conclusion

Lloyd Price’s contribution to the world of music goes beyond his iconic hits in the 1950s. His entrepreneurial spirit and philanthropic initiative show that he is a multi-talented musician with a passion for making a difference. His contribution to the rock ‘n’ roll genre will forever be remembered, and his legacy will undoubtedly continue to inspire generations of musicians to come.