Lawrence Laury was born 2nd September, 1914 in Memphis, Tennessee and was a lifelong friend with Memphis Slim, having grown up together and developing their piano style together, being influenced by Memphis performers like Speckled Red and Roosevelt Sykes and by the 1930’s he was playing in the local clubs. In 1935, Roosevelt Sykes encouraged Laury and Memphis Slim to move to Chicago in order to further their careers with a recording contract. Memphis went, but Booker Laury stayed in Memphis and played in the clubs for many years.
In the 1950’s, an accident with a circular saw meant that he lost a finger on his left hand (take heed, such things can happen) fortunately he did have a rather large hand span, and so was still able to continue playing. Booker T. Laury’s debut album wasn’t until he was in his late sixties, in 1981, quite late to the game, but then this wasn’t unusual, with many early artists not recording until their later years.
A point you may or may not realise, in the 1989 film ‘Great Balls Of Fire’ Booker T. Laury could be seen playing in a juke joint that the young Jerry Lee was looking in on. I Don’t remember this myself, but it was some years ago now, so I’ll have watch the film again sometime. He also appeared in a documentary film released in 1991. ‘Deep Blues: A Musical Pilgrimage To The Crossroads’. In which Blues Producer and saxophonist Robert Palmer and Dave Stewart interview and play with blues musicians from Memphis and the surrounding area.
Booker T.Laury passed away on 23rd September, 1995, aged 81.
| Booker T. Laury And Friends Nothing But The Blues | 1981 |
| Booker Boogie Next Time You See Me Woke Up This Morning Baby, You Make Everything Allright | Five Long Years Nothing But The Blues DB Blues |
| Booker T. Laury – Live | 1982 |
| Left My Home Early In The Morning Memphis Blues Night Time Is The Right Time Blues With A Feeling | Anais Blues Wee Wee Hours Booker’s Boogie Next Time You See Me |
| Booker T. Laury One Of The Last Memphis Blues Piano Jewels | 1987 |
| Mean Old Frisco Roll ‘Em Pete Stormin’ In Texas Cicinnati Stomp Little Red Rooster The Tribute | Down The Road Apiece Well,Well Baby Honky Tonk Train Beat Me Daddy, Eight To The Bar Tender Hearted Woman Stoop Down Baby |
| Booker T. Laury And Friends – Booker In Paris | 1992 |
| Booker Boogie Next Time You See Me Baby, You Make Everything Allright Five Long Years Nothing But The Blues Wee Wee Hours | Woke Up This Morning No More Sufferin’ Memphis Blues Drivin’ Wheel Left My Home |
| Booker T. Laury – Blues On The Prowl | 1993 |
| Introduction Blues Next Time You See Me Blues With A Feeling Bad Luck Blues Disco Strut Night Time Is The Right Time Anais Blues Indescribable You That’s All Right | Booker’s Boogie Wee Wee Hours Early In The Morning Blues On The Prowl I Done You Wrong My Own Memphis Blues I’m Waiting For Jesus You Can Go Your Way |
| Booker T. Laury – Nothing But The Blues | 1994 |
| Slop Jar Story Intro To The Blues/That’s All Right For You Early In The Morning Woke Up This Morning D.B. Blues | Disco Strut Sweet Root Man Booker’s Boogie Blues With A Feeling Blues On The Prowl |
| Mose Vinson, Booker T. Laury Memphis Piano Blues Today | 2016 |
| Booker T. Laury Next Time You See Me Big Legged Woman Blues With A Feeling Booker T.’s Memphis Blues Night Time Is The Right Time Sweet Root Man You Can Go Your Way Bookers Boogie | Mose Vinson Blues Jump The Rabbit Tell Me Like It Is Boogie Woogie Blues Good Morning Memphis 44 Blues 4’o Clock Blues R You’re Not Too Old Lost My Mule Blues |