The Meanest Man In Town

Lonnie was born in Dorena, Missouri in 1937, the oldest of thirteen children. In 1946 his family moved to Gary, IN. Encouraged by his grandmother, he started singing in church at the age of six. As a teenager he performed with doo-wop (a style of music popularized in the 1950's sung in harmony) groups in and around Gary.

In his early twenties he cut two R&B singles "You Can't Go" & Ain't That a Shame" in Chicago with the Chuck Danzy band on the NuTone label. (These records are current dance floor favorites in England & Australia, and much sought after by R&B collectors).

After being on the road with Bill Nixon and Jr. Walker, and serving a stint in the U.S. Air Force, he ended up in San Francisco in 1959. While there he opened for R&B stars, Sam & Dave; the Drifters; Aretha Franklin; Johnny Mathis; Little Willy John and many others.

When he came to Indianapolis in 1969, he performed at the Honey Dripper Lounge, the End Zone, and the Vineyards. During the early 70's, he formed a five-piece band "Lonnie Lester & Touch".

In the 80's he traveled the country with his band in addition to performing in the Indianapolis area. Over the years he has donated time to the Women's Prison, Riley Children's Hospital, Veterans Hospital, and many other community organizations. He retired from the music business full-time in 1991, but continues to perform part-time, appearing at clubs, weddings, corporate parties, etc.

(from the Lonnie Lester website)

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"So This Is Love"



"The Meanest Man In Town"


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