Past Events
September 28, 2006 - Lonnie Youngblood  

Tenor saxophonist Lonnie Youngblood, known by many music lovers as “The Prince of Harlem,” was guest Harlem Speaks on September 28, 2006.

He began by talking about his upbringing in Augusta, GA, where he was born on August 3, 1941, and his mother Mildred’s love of Louis Jordan. This was his inspiration for learning the saxophone. He asked his father to buy a horn for him many times, and finally he consented after his mother convinced her husband. He took lessons, played in his high school band, and began backing singer Pearl Reeves in 1959 for his first professional gig. Youngblood soon became hungry to lead on own band.

His very first solo recording, "Heartbreak," became a regional hit, and he got a taste of success. He served in the Army for a short time, and returned to Harlem in 1963, where he took over leadership of Curtis Knight’s R&B band. The outfit included a talented young guitarist named Jimi Hendrix, “one of the most dynamic players I’ve ever performed with.” he said. “Early on, I even bought him an amp.”

In the late ’60s he challenged his idol King Curtis to a sax battle at Small’s Paradise.

“So, you’re the great King Curtis, huh?

“Who are you, sucker?”

“I’m your replacement,” Youngblood declared.

Curtis bested him, and Youngblood returned often for more. They developed a strong friendship, with Curtis even calling him his “son,” and taking him on gigs.

He also discussed his personal battle with narcotics, and the unending support of his wife Debra-May. “I’m a living testimony,” he proclaimed. “I grew up in the Baptist Church; my mother believed in the power of prayer, and I grew up believing that too. When I hit rock bottom in 1989, I got on my knees, and wouldn’t get up until I felt ready to deal with my problem.” When he rose up, he said, “I told my wife, ‘I’m ready’.”

With tears streaming down her face, his wife said, “I knew in the midst of all that, you’d come out of it.”

He came out clean, with a new drive for success and sobriety. Al Howard, the owner of Showman’s, hired him, and he began performing annually in Japan, both of which he considers a blessing. He ended the evening with a recitation from his gospel recording, In the Garden, with thanks to God and his mother. He also thanked his Harlem audience: “They have shown me so much love over the years.”