Lonnie Lester - So This Is Love

Rhythm & Blues singer who released several singles on the label in the 1960's. Born in Dorena, Missouri in 1937, Lonnie is the oldest of thirteen children. In 1946 his family moved to Gary, Indiana. Encouraged by his grandmother, he started singing in church at the age of six. As a teenager he performed with doo-wop (a style of music popularized in the 19502s sung in harmony) groups in and around Gary. After being on the road with Bill Nixon and Junior Walker, and serving a stint in the U.S. Air Force, he ended up in San Francisco in 1959. While there he opened for R&B stars like Sam & Dave, the Drifters, Aretha Franklin, Little Willy John, and many others. The next big step was his move to Chicago, Illinois, where he cut more than a handful of R&B/soul singles for the Nu-Tone label. The backing band was under the leadership of Chuck Danzy. When Lonnie came to Indianapolis in 1969, he performed at the Honey Dripper Lounge, the End Zone, and the Vineyards. During the early 702s, he formed a five-piece band called Lonnie Lester & Touch. In the 802s he traveled the country with his band in addition to performing in the Indianapolis area. Lonnie continues to perform in the Indianapolis, Indiana area.

• tramprecords.bandcamp.com