Luther Kent

Luther Kent -- also sometimes known as Big Luther Kent, Amos Kent, or Duke Royal -- was a fixture on the New Orleans music scene from the mid-'60s into the next century. He spent the early part of his singing career in the groups the Greek Fountains and Cold Grits. In the mid-'70s, Kent fronted the post-David Clayton-Thomas incarnation of Blood, Sweat & Tears on tour. He recorded his first solo album, World Class (1977), at Abbey Road Studios with support that included the Brecker Brothers and members of the London Symphony and Philharmonic Orchestras. Further projects included New Orleans horn band Luther Kent & Trick Bag, spots with the Dukes of Dixieland, Cleo Award-winning work in television commercials, and an album with producer Mike Post. In later years, he released several albums of New Orleans music and hosted a weekly radio show in Baton Rouge called Luther's House Party.