Lenny Pickett
Lenny Pickett | |
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 Pickett in 2018 | |
| Background information | |
| Born | April 10, 1954 Las Cruces, New Mexico, U.S. |
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| Years active | 1972–present |
| Member of |
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| Formerly of | Tower of Power |
| Website | www |
Lenny Pickett (born April 10, 1954)[1] is an American saxophonist and musical director of the Saturday Night Live band.[2] From 1973 to 1981, he was a member of the band Tower of Power.
Biography
Pickett was born in Las Cruces, New Mexico.[1] In the 1970s and early 1980s, he led the horn section for Tower of Power, a funk band from the San Francisco Bay area. He was also a frequent session band member that backed many musicians in multiple genres, from Elton John to musicians in the soul music, rhythm and blues, and funk music genres.[3] Tower of Power also released its own albums as a group.[1]
Pickett joined the Saturday Night Live Band in 1985 and has served as the band's musical director since G. E. Smith was fired during the cast exodus in 1995.[4][3]
Apart from Saturday Night Live and Tower of Power, Pickett has worked extensively as a session musician for a wide range of performers and genres.[3][2]
References
- ^ a b c Wynn, Ron. "Lenny Pickett | Biography & History". AllMusic. Retrieved October 17, 2016.
- ^ a b Ivie, Devon (October 30, 2024). "Lenny Pickett Is a Sax Machine". Vulture.com. Retrieved July 24, 2025.
- ^ a b c "Lenny Pickett Bio Part I". Saxstation.com. March 6, 2013. Retrieved July 24, 2025.
- ^ Kelly, Keegan (January 18, 2024). "The 'SNL' Guitarist Says the 'SNL' Saxophonist Is the Lorne Michaels of the 'SNL' Band". Cracked.com. Retrieved May 18, 2025.