Jon Lucien
Lucien Leopold Harrigan, known professionally as Jon Lucien, was a singer from Tortola in the British Virgin Islands.
Life and career
Born in Tortola in 1942, Lucien was raised in St. Thomas. His parents were Eric "Rico" Lucien Harrigan and Eloise Turnbull Harrigan. His father was a musician whose main instrument was a three-coursed Latin guitar-like chordophone known as a Tres. As a teenager, he played bass in his father's band. During the 1960s he moved to New York City. While performing at a party, he was discovered by an executive from RCA Records, which released his debut album of pop and jazz standards. Lucien said the label attempted to market him as a "black Sinatra". His second album, Rashida, contained only songs written by Lucien, with "Lady Love" receiving radio airplay. Dave Grusin received a Grammy Award nomination for his arrangements. He recorded two albums for Columbia before making guest appearances on Yesterday's Dreams by Alphonso Johnson and Mr. Gone by Weather Report.In 1980, Lucien's daughter drowned, and he spent much of the decade struggling with drug addiction. He returned to music with the albums Listen Love and Mother Nature's Son. Another daughter died in the crash of TWA Flight 800, and Lucien dedicated his album Endless Is Love to her.
He died of respiratory failure in Orlando, Florida, on August 18, 2007.
Discography
I Am Now Rashida Mind's Eye Song for My Lady Premonition Romantico Inside Moves Listen Love Mother Nature's Son Endless Is Love By Request Precious Is Love Man from Paradise Live in NYC A Time for Love- ''The Wayfarer''