Lazy Lester, a phenomenally gifted blues artist who lived in Northern California, reportedly died on Aug. 22 at his home in Paradise.
The singer-songwriter, who played multiple instruments but was best known for his work on the harmonica, was 85.
Word of his passing spread via a story in American Blues Scene, reporting on a Facebook post from blues star Kenny Neal, who was reportedly a family friend.
The post, made on Aug. 22, read:
“It saddens me to say, Lazy Lester passed just a short time ago peacefully at his home. He had a full life and will be remembered by so many. Memorial arrangements will follow. Condolences to his family. “
Lester, whose real name was Leslie Carswell Johnson, had reportedly been ill for some time.
“According his friend Dawayne Gilley, Lester had been ‘battling stomach cancer for the past few months, had requested privacy during his illness and had hoped that he could recover.’ Unsubstantiated rumors of his death circulated via social media last week,” American Blues Scene reports.
The blues great, who was born June 20, 1933 in Torras, Louisiana, had many highlights during a career that stretched back to the 1950s.
He’d play with many of the greats during his day, including a young Buddy Guy and the legendary Lightin’ Hopkins. He’d also have his music recorded by such artists as The Kinks, Dwight Yoakam and the Fabulous Thunderbirds.
Yet, many will remember Lazy Lester for his appearance in a popular GEICO commercial, where he squares off (with his harmonica) with the company’s famed spokes-lizard – the GEICO Gecko.
Besides his harmonica playing, Lester also had a very recognizable vocal style — which is reportedly what earned him his nickname.
“Lazy Lester plays that easy rolling Swamp Blues that always makes you want to move your feet. Blowing a mellifluous harp and occasionally strumming a guitar or even a washboard, his laid back vocal style meant that Leslie Johnson of Torres Louisiana was given the name Lazy Lester,” according to an article in All About Blues Music.
https://www.americanbluesscene.com/blues-hall-of-famer-lazy-lester-dead-at-85/
