Baton Rouge, Louisiana – The Louisiana music community is grieving the loss of legendary blues singer Luther Kent, who passed away on Friday, August 16, 2024, at the age of 76. Born in New Orleans, Kent, whose real name was Kent Rowell, was widely known for his powerful voice and captivating performances at various music festivals and venues across the state, including the famous New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival.
Kent began his professional singing career at the young age of 14 when he signed with Montel Records. Over the decades, he became a beloved figure in Louisiana’s music scene, performing at dance halls and festivals and leaving a lasting impact on the local culture.
In addition to his live performances, Kent was also a dedicated radio host. Since 2014, he had been hosting a Saturday program on WBRH called "Luther’s House Party" from 4 to 6 p.m., where he shared his love for blues music with listeners. Rob Payer, the program director at WBRH, expressed deep sorrow over Kent’s passing, stating, “He’s been a part of our WBRH family for decades, and he’s going to be missed.” The station plans to continue airing his music and episodes of his show in his memory.
Luther Kent’s life was marked by both triumphs and tragedies. He was married to his wife, Joan, for over 60 years. The couple endured significant heartache a few years ago with the loss of their only child, daughter Laurie. Despite these challenges, Kent remained a pillar of strength in his community, even participating in the Louisiana Rising Concert after the 2016 storm to help raise funds for disaster victims.
The news of Kent’s passing has prompted an outpouring of tributes on social media. Teri Bitter Thomas, a longtime friend, shared her grief on Facebook, recalling her deep connection with Kent, whom she had known since she was 13 years old. “He was the kindest person and an icon in the music industry,” Thomas wrote. “Luther would always ask me how my mom was doing and tell me how much he loved her. You will be missed greatly, my sweet and beloved friend.”
Other heartfelt messages included Shannon Gonzales expressing sorrow for the loss, and Michael A Carpenter remembering Kent as “as good as it gets” and reminiscing about their shared history at Westdale Junior High.
Luther Kent’s legacy as a Louisiana blues icon will continue to live on through his music, his contributions to the community, and the countless lives he touched throughout his remarkable career.