While her beginnings were humble, Lake Charles native, Nellie Lutcher's talents ensured that her lifestyle would be anything but ordinary. Lutcher graced the stage nationally and internationally for nearly a century and left lasting impacts on musical history. Her accomplishments were honored with numerous awards throughout her lifetime and posthumously like the cultural district and park in her name. Celebrate her birthday on October 15th and year-round with musical events in Downtown Lake Charles and the Nellie Lutcher Memorial Park.
Humble Beginnings
Nellie was born to Issac and Susie Lutcher on October 15, 1912. Nellie's first musical influences were her parents. By day, Isaac worked as a packing plant worker, and by night a bass player. Susie was the family church's organist and would also do laundry to supplement income. As the oldest of ten living siblings, Nellie found joy through music.
She learned to play piano and read music from schoolteacher Eugenia King Reynaud. Her lessons began on the family piano where she was initially too short to reach the keys! While Susie and Eugenia preferred Nellie concentrate on classical pieces, she took a liking to jazz and blues and would sneak in listening time.
Nellie began playing in public as New Sunlight Baptist Church's assistant pianist at only eight years old. At age twelve, she was playing alongside her father in Clarence Hart’s Imperial Jazz Band. Nellie's talent propelled her from the living room piano and church altar to audiences across Southwest Louisiana. During a period in history with stark segregation, little Nellie Lutcher was playing for huge white-only black-tie events.
One night, she filled in for legendary jazz musician Ma Rainey's piano player. At age fourteen Lutcher dropped out of school to pursue a career as a full-time musician, performing around Texas and Louisiana with the Imperial Jazz Band and the Southern Rhythm Band.
Early Success
Initially, Nellie's career advancement was limited due to discrimination based on her race and gender. In 1935, Nellie moved to Los Angeles where more opportunities were available. Vibrant Black-owned nightclubs and national-level record companies that signed Black artists provided a better avenue for success. Lutcher quickly began booking work as a solo pianist.
Clubgoers fell in love with Nellie and wanted more. They pushed for her to begin singing, and with some reluctance, she began developing her vocals. She went on to master her voice, building a diverse catalog of material. The following twelve years proved difficult as she continued looking for work while welcoming her son Talmadge, and raising him as a single parent.
Big Break
While there were far more opportunities in Los Angeles Nellie still faced some discrimination in her quest for bookings. It wasn't until 1947 at 35 years old that her career officially took off. Music executive Dave Dexter heard Nellie on a radio talent show and quickly signed her to Capitol Records. She went on to release records like "Fine Brown Frame", "Hurry on Down", and "Lake Charles Boogie", the latter paying homage to her hometown. Capitol Records had Nellie Lutcher playing on the airwaves, performing nationwide at exclusive nightclubs, and eventually headlining in England.
Capitol Records got major airplay for Lutcher’s records on radio stations nationwide. She went from paying venues to let her play and less than $100 payments to thousands of dollars per gig! Promoters eagerly booked her to perform at top-tier nightclubs like New York’s Café Society. In England, she headlined a successful tour at multiple venues. Nellie's undeniable talent, charisma, and popularity at the time led to a collaboration with Nat “King” Cole.
The collaboration and continued success with audiences cemented her status as a household name and legendary musician of the Jazz and Blues age of music. On an episode of the television show, This is Your Life, the mayor of Lake Charles honored Lutcher with the highest honor, keys to the city. Lutcher received the honor again in 1977.
Later Years
In the mid to late 1950s, Lutcher's work began to slow as popular music shifted in style. She still went on to serve as the first African American board member of the Musicians’ Union Local 47, elected in 1968. Her music soared in popularity again in the nineties where she performed at many top-tier venues as well as the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival.
Nellie died in 2007, but her memory lives on in her hometown. The Nellie Lutcher Cultural District was established near Downtown Lake Charles in 2016 and is now the home of the Nellie Lutcher Memorial Park. The park serves as an open-air performance venue with a stage modeled after piano keys, a beautiful mural of Nellie, food truck hook-ups, and green space.
Celebrate Nellie's legacy at events like the Living History Cemetery Tour and Music in the Park, and by attending performances at spectacular venues throughout Southwest Louisiana. For more arts and cultural events, live music at restaurants, and festivals check out our event calendar.
Sources:
64 Parishes. (n.d.). Nellie Lutcher. In 64 Parishes Encyclopedia of Louisiana. Retrieved October 10, 2024, from https://64parishes.org/entry/nellie-lutcher
