Saxophonist Lucky Thompson was born in Columbia, South Carolina, but was raised in Detroit, Michigan. He played in local groups with Hank Jones, Sonny Stitt and others. In August, 1943, at 19, he left Detroit with Lionel Hampton's Orchestra, eventually arriving in New York City. Still a teenager, his first recording dates was with Hot Lips Page, Lucky Millinder and Count Basie. In 1947, he broadcast regularly from the Royal Roost in NYC with trumpeter Kenny Dorham and the Charlie Parker All Stars. In the early 50s, he recorded with Thelonious Monk, Miles Davis and others, then joined Stan Kenton's band for a European tour in 1956. After some years in Europe and a return to the U.S. in 1972-74, he essentially withdrew from public life.