This South Philly percussionist has been playing drums since the age of 8, when he played at churches and special engagements. In the 1970s, Lucky began traveling and making TV appearances with his group, The Current Survivors. Since that time, he has toured in Europe, Asia, and the Caribbean, as well as collaborated with Patti LaBelle, Billy Paul, Nina Simone, Sonny Stitt, Val Ray and Big Momma Thorton. Since 1997, Lucky has served as the Musical Director of Natalie’s Lounge, at 40th & Market, where the likes of jazz greats Hank Mobley, Mickey Roker, Shirley Scott, Sam Reed, Grover Washington, Jr., Tony Williams, and even a young John Coltrane have performed. Aside from playing in clubs, and performing at festivals and concerts, Lucky is equally comfortable in the classrooms at University of Pennsylvania where he is a visiting resident, teaching jazz, percussions, and improvisations. This dynamic drummer can be heard on CDs with Umar Raheem, the Arpeggio Ensemble, Denise King, Val-Ray, and as bandleader on PTME’s next release, Lucky Thompson’s DNA.