Prey-Loot – Eli "Lucky" Thompson

This composition has been recorded several times, but unfortunately Lucky's marvelous recording from his "Lucky Strikes" album isn't currently available as a download. Our lead sheet editions come from Lucky's recording, so in order to fully understand the inspiration for the other recordings discussed here, please listen to the clip of his own performance.

Eli "Lucky" Thompson

June 16, 1923 – July 30, 2005

Saxophonist Lucky Thompson is one of the great treasures of jazz. He was born in Columbia, South Carolina, but was raised in Detroit, Michigan. He played in local groups with Hank Jones, Sonny Stitt and others. In August, 1943, when he was 19, he left Detroit with Lionel Hampton's Orchestra, eventually arriving in New York City. Still a teenager, his first recording date was with Hot Lips Page on March 18, 1944. Later in 1944 he started recording with both Lucky Millinder and Count Basie. Read more...

31 songs available.