Alfred "Uganda" Roberts
This article includes a list of general references, but it lacks sufficient corresponding inline citations. (May 2020) |
Alfred "Uganda" Roberts | |
---|---|
New Orleans, Louisiana, United States | |
Died | May 5, 2020 | (aged 77)
Genres | Afro-Calypso |
Instrument(s) | Congas/Percussion |
Alfred "Uganda" Roberts (April 8, 1943 – May 5, 2020)[1] was an American conga/percussion player.
As a young musician he performed with Professor Longhair,[2] who he would continue to work with until Longhair's death, one of the many New Orleans notables Roberts performed with.
History
Born and raised in the historic
Beginning his career in music in his early teens, playing bongos in clubs in the French Quarter, Roberts switched to the congas in his early 20s with the encouragement of jazz drummer, Smokey Johnson. After becoming an in-demand conga/percussion player in New Orleans, Roberts established a relationship with fellow Treme resident and neighbor, record producer Allen Toussaint, leading to Roberts becoming a house percussionist in Toussaint's Sea Saint Studios, playing on recordings such as The Meters' Afrika and Hey Pocky Way, as well as Toussaint's 1972 album, Life, Love, and Faith.
In 1972, Roberts was introduced to New Orleans pianist
Roberts toured with
One evening in 2007, Roberts was invited by the young funk band Groovesect to join them on stage at New Orleans' Maple Leaf Bar, starting a relationship that would result in Roberts joining the band and recording on Groovesect's debut album, On The Brim.
He performed at The Bloomington Blues & Boogie Woogie Piano Festival, in Bloomington, Indiana, in 2017 and 2018.
Uganda Roberts performed as himself on the television series Treme.
References
- ^ "Musician Alfred 'Uganda' Roberts has passed away". Wgno.com. May 5, 2020.
- ISBN 978-0-312-29608-7. Retrieved 19 October 2010.