Rock 'n roll pioneer Lloyd Price passed away on Thursday evening. No cause of death was released but he had been in poor health for the past few years. He was 88.
Born outside of New Orleans, Price worked as a radio DJ when he was a teenager. In 1952, Price wrote and sung "Lawdy Miss Clawdy" which topped the R&B charts and became an unexpected hit with both black and white audiences. The song featured another rock 'n roll pioneer on piano - Fats Domino. Elvis Presley would later record his own version of "Lawdy Miss Clawdy" in 1956.
Price's career stalled when he was drafted into the Army and served in Korea. By the end of the 1950's, Price would enjoy his biggest musical success with a cover of the traditional folk ballad "Stagger Lee" as well as "Personality" and "I'm Gonna Get Married" both of which he co-wrote with Harold Logan.
Although he would continue to record and perform, Price never managed to have another hit. However, Price wisely invested his money and would become a successful entrepreneur. with the Lawdy Miss Clawdy food brand and as a real estate developer. Price was inducted into the Rock 'n Roll Hall of Fame in 1998.
On a personal note, I first remember hearing "Personality" on Happy Days while "Stagger Lee" was on an 8-track compilation of '50's and 60's music sent to us by my Uncle Andy and Aunt Diane who ran TeeVee Records during the 1970's and 1980's. Those songs have stuck with me and shall remain embedded even if Lloyd Price is no longer here to sing them. R.I.P.
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