Jon Lucien was a pioneering Jazz-Soul Artist   known as one of the most focused and emotional balladeers to ever step in front of a microphone, but it was  his soothing baritone voice that really set him part from the rest.   He made 12 albums in his lifetime and helped to pioneer what is now known as  'Quiet Storm' music which also paved the way for another style of music known as the hugely popular 'Smooth Jazz.' 

He was born Lucien Leopold Harrigan  in Tortola in 1942, Lucien was raised in St. Thomas. His parents were Eric "Rico" Lucien Harrigan and Eloise Turnbull Harrigan. His father was a musician whose main instrument was a three-coursed Latin guitar-like chordophone known as a Tres.

As a teenager, he played bass in his father's band. During the 1960s he moved to New York City.

 While performing at a party, he was discovered by an executive from RCA Records.  It was then that he changed his name to Jon Lucien. 

In 1970, he released his debut album 'I Am Now'.   1973 saw the release of the, much sought after, album 'Rashida', containing the popular tunes 'Would You Believe In Me', Lady Love' and the title track.

For the follow up, 1974's 'Mind's Eye', Lucien collaborated with veteran producer Dave Grusin.

The album contained the rare groove tunes 'Listen Love' and 'World Of Joy'.

The following year, Jon had moved to the CBS label for the album release 'Song For My Lady', followed by 'Premonition', for the same label, in 1976.

Only one release spanned the years between the Seventies and Nineties, which was 1982's, 'Romantico', for the Precision label.

After a long absence, Lucien returned in 1991 with a release that was very much what he'd done in his peak '70's years.

Further releases included 1993's 'Mother Nature's Son'.

A few months after his 17 year-old daughter Dalila was killed on Flight 800 in July of 1996, Jon went into the studio and began recording 'Endless Is Love'.

Jon reflected 'My daughter doesn't want me sitting around being unhappy. I look at her and we communicate. We make music. The music is a special force.'

Having carved himself his own unique niche, within the jazz market, Jon Lucien remains one of the most distinctive vocalists but yet extremely  'overlooked' over the last 30 years.

Our film will not only illuminate the genius that was Jon Lucien, but will also offer  the viewer insights into music history, the creative process and the cultural impact of music.  Rare performances by Lucien are featured  alongside  world-class musicians.  Beautiful and heartfelt stories are told by those who knew Jon Lucien best.  Although Lucien passed away in 2007,  his music and memory still live on today!      

WHY THIS PROJECT IS IMPORTANT? The film leaves the audience with a sense of hope and a reminder that even the most forgotten artists can have great impact on the world. 

This film is supported by the family of Jon Lucien who have been involved from the start.  They maintain a Facebook page honoring their father/grandfather under the name  A Tribute to Jon Marcus Lucien https://www.facebook.com/groups/818120712510204

Key Personnel

LINNETTE A. HARRIGAN (PRODUCER/DIRECTOR)
Before producing and directing ‘Rediscovering Lucien,’ Linnette A. Harrigan spent a number of years working as an independent music supervisor. She worked alongside producers and directors finding music for scenes and providing music rights and licensing for Film and TV. . As a writer/producer, she’s written music related content short-form for such networks as BET (Black Entertainment Television). Linnette received her Certificate in Documentary Filmmaking from The New York Film Academy.  She is now in production with ‘Rediscovering Lucien,’ a music documentary film on the life and music of Jazz Singer Jon Lucien.