Leslie Johnson, b. June 20, 1933 in Torras, LA. Blues harmonica player and vocalist Lazy Lester recorded numerous singles for Excello Records in the late 50s and early 60s. Forming his first band in 1952, the musician’s first significant job was as a sideman for bluesman Lightnin’ Slim. Owing to his slow-moving, laid-back approach, Johnson received his performing name during this period from record producer Jay Miller, who was known for his ‘swamp pop’ sound. Miller recorded Lester and placed him with the Nashville-based Excello in 1958. Lester’s first solo single was ‘Go Ahead’ (1956), and his first local hit was ‘Sugar Coated Love’/‘I’m A Lover Not A Fighter’. The latter was covered in the UK by the Kinks. Lester continued to record as a leader until 1965. He also played harmonica for such artists as the blues-rock guitarist Johnny Winter (an early recording in 1961) and Lonesome Sundown. At the end of the 60s, Lester moved around the country and did not record again until 1987, for the UK Blues ‘N’ Trouble label. The following year he recorded Harp & Soul for Alligator Records, and was back touring the USA in the late 80s and into the new millennium, enjoying new-found acclaim.
