“Big” Luther Kent’s soulful voice and versatile repertoire – ranging from gospel to swing to traditional jazz – have made him a New Orleans household name. He’s performed around the world, and the Hall-of-Famer can often be heard with his own band, with The Dukes of Dixieland, or as the voice behind local television commercials.
Born Kent Rowell in 1948, the New Orleans native came of age listening to Bobby Bland, Etta James, and Ray Charles, and he channeled their stylings into his burgeoning singing career. He sang with The Greek Fountains, Cold Grits and others, and spent a short time with Blood, Sweat & Tears in the mid-1970s, but was forbidden to record with the group due to contractual restrictions.
Luther Kent recorded his first solo album, the 1977 World Class, in part at Abbey Road Studios with the Brecker Brothers and members of the London Symphony Orchestra. Back in New Orleans, he showed off his gospel side in recording with John Lee and the Heralds of Christ alongside Pete Fountain and Allen Toussaint.
In 1978, he formed the blues-based Luther Kent & Trick Bag with Charlie Brent, and the band performed actively and released several albums during the 1980s and 1990s. Trick Bag became a favorite late-night sit-in band for visiting luminaries, including Stevie Winwood, Maynard Ferguson, Billy Eckstein, Etta James, B.B. King, Boz Scaggs, Jimmy Page, Jimmy Buffett, and Greg Allman.
He has also worked with The Forever Fabulous Chicken Hawks and, since 2005, The Dukes of Dixieland. He’s recorded with numerous artists, including David Torkanowsky, Herman Ernest, the Bonerama Horns, Dr. John, and the legendary producer Wardell Querzeque.
Kent has also had a successful career in voiceover work, earning Clio, Addy, and other advertising awards along the way. He has been heard in commercials for the Louisiana Lottery, The Louisiana Tourism Commission, and Harrah’s Casino, among others, and in television shows such as Cop Rock. He tours world-wide, and is a popular performer at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival, the French Quarter Festival, the Baton Rouge Blues Festival, and others.
Luther Kent has earned numerous awards and honors, and is an inductee into the Louisiana Music Hall of Fame and the Louisiana Blues Hall of Fame.
