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Donald's Encyclopedia of Popular MusicA B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y ZLUTCHER, Nellie(b 15 October 1915, Lake Charles LA; d 8 June 2007, Los Angeles) Singer, piano. Played in big bands with bass-playing father; joined band the Southern Rhythm Boys, becoming a main attraction before moving to West Coast as solo in mid-'30s. Played March of Dimes (polio) benefit '47, sang 'The One I Love Belongs To Somebody Else' and was signed to Capitol by Dave Dexter: first single 'Hurry On Down' sold a million that year; further big hits were 'Real Gone Guy' and 'Fine Brown Frame' '47-8. Also popular in UK, touring major venues early '50s; one of the first American R&B artists to top the bill at the Palladium in London. As success waned during the rock'n'roll era she made a successful career in real estate, also serving as an officer of LA Musicians' Union Local 47 for many years. Continued to gig occasionally (New York's Cookery '73); KCET-TV special Nellie '82; Nellie Lutcher Day celebration in Lake Charles '83; compilation LP Real Gone Gal on Capitol/UK '84; also My Papa's Got To Have Everything on Juke Box Lil from Norway; Best Of '96 on Capitol USA; a four-CD complete set on Bear Family '96 at last did her justice. |