Biography
Lyman Woodard built a distinguished reputation as one of the leading jazz organists while uniquely incorporating dance and Latin rhythms into his playing, setting him apart from contemporaries. Born as Lyman Elnathan Woodard III on March 3, 1942, in Owosso, MI, he inherited the jazz tradition from his father and grandfather, beginning with piano studies in local public schools prior to relocating to St. Louis for attendance at Principin High School. After returning to Michigan for studies at Flint Northern College, he proceeded to Toronto's Advanced School for Contemporary Music, receiving instruction from Oscar Peterson and Ray Brown. His ability extended to replicating Little Richard songs precisely, alongside influences from R&B originators Fats Domino and Chuck Berry. Exposure to Jimmy Smith via car radio in the early 1960s prompted his transition to the Hammond B-3 organ. Woodard gained experience with multiple Michigan ensembles, notably those led by saxophonist Benny Poole, before settling in Detroit during 1964. His career encompassed roles as music director for Martha & the Vandellas and participation in the soul-fusion groups Undisputed Truth and 8th Day; additionally, he contributed leadership to the Detroit Artists Workshop and partnered with jazz trumpeters Marcus Belgrave and Ron Jackson along with saxophonist Norma Jean Bell. During the 1970s, Woodard established his trio, starting with Don Davis and later solidifying with Motown session guitarist Dennis Coffey and drummer Melvin Davis; subsequently, he directed the expanded Lyman Woodard Organization, which yielded the 1975 Strata label album Saturday Night Special—a cult favorite featuring Bell, guitarist Ron English, drummer Leonard King, and percussionist Lorenzo Brown, among additional musicians—followed by Corridor label releases Don't Stop the Groove, captured live at Detroit's Cobb's Corner nightclub in 1979 with English and nationally award-winning guitarist Robert Lowe, Jr., King, Belgrave, and saxophonists Kerry Campbell and Allan Barnes, and the 1985 EP Dedicacion. These works illustrated Woodard's evolution beyond mainstream or soul-jazz toward rhythmic, danceable sounds that resonated with Detroit audiences during the disco era. The Afro-Cuban focus of Dedicacion also spotlighted emerging violinist Regina Carter, Lowe, and in later performances the developing alto saxophonist Kenny Garrett. Woodard's trio maintained a regular presence at Cobb's Corner in Detroit's Cass Corridor throughout the 1970s, yet the 1979 murders of club owner Henry Normile and jazz vocalist Eddie Jefferson led to a sharp decline in the local scene, even as Woodard persisted with weekend performances. Years afterward, Woodard regrouped with a fresh trio including guitarist Rob Tye and King to sustain his innovative style alongside standards, earning frequent spots at the Montreux-Detroit Jazz Festival, with his 1996 set later released on CD. Live at J.J.'s Lounge and 74/93 Live: At Last!! appeared via independent outlets. By 2000, Woodard's activity in the city had waned to occasional appearances. Afflicted by emphysema and issues stemming from a broken hip, Woodard died in his birthplace at Owosso Memorial Hospital on February 24, 2009, aged 66. Saturday Night Special received reissues on high-quality vinyl and digital formats through the Wax Poetic label.
Albums