Thursday, November 6, 2025

LAFAYETTE THOMAS TONIGHT ~

 




Lafayette Thomas (born in 1928 in Shreveport, LA) was an electric blues guitarist. He cut his first sides as a sideman in Oakland, CA. in 1948 as a member of Bob Geddins' Cavaliers. He made his debut as a solo artist in 1951 recording one 78 RPM single at Sun Studios in Memphis TN. as L.J. Thomas and his Louisiana Playboys, that was issued on the Chess label. In 1954 he cut another single for the Modern label as Jerry Thomas. Sides recorded for the Peacock label in 1952 and for King in 1954 never saw the light of day. But he stayed busy in the 1950's and 1960's playing on records by Jimmy Wilson, James Reed, Juke Boy Barner (Bonner), Little Brother Montgomery, Roy Hawkins, Memphis Slim, and Jimmy McCracklin. He was a member of Muddy Waters' backing band on the classic 1960 LP "Muddy Waters At Newport". Lafayette made his last recordings as a solo artist in 1968. His last appearance as a sideman was on a Sugar Pie DeSanto record in 1972. He passed away in Brisbane, CA. in 1977. Composed by Lafayette Thomas Lafayette Thomas:Guitar All other musicians unknown. Recorded in Oakland, CA. c. 1955 Originally issued on Trilyte 1100 This recording taken from the CD "West Coast Guitar Killers 1951-1965 Volume 1"