Reginald Lucas, is an
American musician, songwriter and
record producer. Lucas is most famous for his production work with percussionist
Mtume and for producing the majority of
Madonna's 1983
self-titled debut album.
Early in his career, Lucas was a jazz guitarist, playing with
Norman Connors in the early 1970s and then with
Miles Davis from 1972-1976. It was in Davis' electric band (one that included
Pete Cosey,
Michael Henderson and
Al Foster) that Lucas met Percussionist
Mtume who would later become his production partner.
Following his stint as a touring jazz guitarist, Lucas shifted his focus to songwriting and producing, where he gained both fame and critical praise. First working as part of a production team with percussionist
Mtume -- the two would later go on to write and produce hits for several artists, most prominently being
Stephanie Mills,
Phyllis Hyman,
Jennifer Holliday and
Roberta Flack.
As the 70's grew to a close Lucas branched out and began to write and produce material by himself. In addition to his own instrumental record "Survival Themes", one of his first solo projects was
Madonna's 1983
self-titled debut album including the song
Borderline. Lucas has since gone on to work with
Rebbie Jackson,
Randy Crawford and
The Four Tops on his own.
In 1980, Lucas and Mtume won a
Grammy Award for Best R&B song for their composition "
Never Knew Love Like This Before", which was performed by Stephanie Mills.
Also produced "Young Free & Single" by Sunfire.
In late 1980s, Lucas founded the
Jersey City recording studio
Quantum Sound.
He currently teaches in the music department at Montclair State University.
See also
