Leslie Carswell Johnson (June 20, 1933 – August 22, 2018), better known as Lazy Lester, was an American blues musician who sang and played the harmonica and guitar. His career has spanned the 1950s to 2018. Best known for regional hits recorded with Ernie Young's Nashville-based Excello Records, Lester also contributed to songs recorded by other Excello artists, including Slim Harpo, Lightnin' Slim, and Katie Webster. Cover versions of his songs have been recorded by (among others) the Kinks, the Flamin' Groovies, Freddy Fender, Dwight Yoakam, Dave Edmunds, Raful Neal, Anson Funderburgh, and the Fabulous Thunderbirds. In the comeback stage of his career (since the late 1980s) he has recorded new albums backed by Mike Buck, Sue Foley, Gene Taylor, Kenny Neal, Lucky Peterson, and Jimmie Vaughan.
Links to Peel[]
Peel played some tracks from Lazy Lester in the 90's and early 00's. However, compared to other blues musicians, Peel didn't seem to play much of his material according to available playlists.
Shows Played[]
- 13 May 1994: Through The Goodness Of My Heart (CD - I'm A Lover Not A Fighter)’ Ace
- 20 May 1994: 'I Told My Little Woman (CD - I'm A Lover Not A Fighter )' Ace
- 03 June 1994: Tell Me Pretty Baby (CD – I’m A Lover Not A Fighter )’ Ace
- 04 June 1994 (BFBS): Through The Goodness Of My Heart (album - I'm A Lover Not A Fighter) Ace
- 17 June 1994: ‘Whoa Now’ (CD – I’m A Lover Not A Fighter)’ Ace Records
- 25 June 1994 (BFBS): Whoa Now (album - I'm A Lover Not A Fighter) Ace
- 1996
- 22 June 1996 (with Lightnin' Slim): Lightnin's Troubles (album - Nothin' But The Devil) Ace
- 2001
- 05 December 2001: Late, Late In The Evening (CD - I'm A Lover Not A Fighter) Ace