Lucky Diaz and the Family Jam Band
Lucky Diaz and the Family Jam Band (also known as Lucky Díaz y La Familia Música) is the husband and wife team of Lucky Diaz and Alisha Gaddis.[1] The GRAMMY and Emmy-award-winning duo plays bilingual indie music for kids described by The Washington Post as "a hip-shaking, head-bopping, Los Angeles-based explosion of 'kindie' rock."[2] They are known for whimsical children's songs which they also incorporated into a television show.
Lucky Diaz and the Family Jam Band | |
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Background information | |
Origin | Los Angeles, California, United States |
Genres |
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Years active | 2010–present |
Website | http://luckydiazmusic.com |
Members |
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Past members |
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Billboard recognized the band as among Latin Children's Music Artists You Should Know, describing them as "kind of like a bilingual B-52's for kids"[3] and People Magazine listed their album A Potluck first in cool kids albums.[4]
Awards
The Lishy Lou and Lucky Too television show has won multiple Emmys. Gaddis also won an Emmy for Best Performer for her work on the show.[5]
The National Parenting Product Awards (NAPAA) recognized Lucky Diaz and the Family Jam Band's album A Potluck with an Honors Award and recommended the album to "families who enjoy their rock in a variety of styles."[6]
They won a 2013 Latin GRAMMY Award for Best Latin Children's Album for ¡Fantastico![7] making Diaz and Gaddis the first Americans to win a Latin GRAMMY.[1] Their album Adelante was a 2015 Best Latin Children's Album GRAMMY Nominee at the 16th Annual Latin GRAMMY Awards.[8]
The band was the recipient of the Parent's Choice Gold Award from the Parent's Choice Foundation which rewards excellence in children's entertainment, for Oh Lucky Day (2011).[9]
Activism
Along with Polly Hall and Andrew Barkan (Andrew and Polly) and CJ Pizarro (Mista Cookie Jar), Diaz and Gaddis produced the album Hold Tight, Shine Bright to help separated immigrant families and promote "the preservation and promotion of love, hope and family." The proceeds will go to Refugee and Immigrant Center for Education and Legal Services (RAICES) to be used for legal aid for families affected by the current immigration crisis.[10]
Television Appearances
Diaz and Gaddis co-executive produced and co-starred in the live-action television show inspired by their act called Lishy Lou and Lucky Too. It centers around the characters Lishy Lou, Lucky, and their friend Thingamajig and teaches values, social skills, and Spanish through music and dancing.[11]
Their song Falling was featured in a Coca-Cola commercial.[12]
Additional and Touring Members
Touring and additional band members have included Theron Derrick,[13] Deacon Marrquin, Kurtis Keber, Michael Klooster, Michael Farkas, Gee Rabe, Joe Harpcat,[14] Eric Morones, Dale Edward, Wesley Switzer, and Henry Hofman.[15]
Discography
- Luckiest Adventure (April 2010) CD Only
- Oh Lucky Day (April 2011)
- A Potluck (May 2012)
- ¡Fantastico! (May 2013) - Best Latin Children's Album GRAMMY Winner, 2013[7]
- Lishy Lou and Lucky Too (October 2013)
- Aquí, Allá (May 2014)
- Adelante (May 2015) - Best Latin Children's Album GRAMMY Nominee, 2015[8]
- Greatest Hits Vol 1 (July 2016)
- Made in LA (July 2017)
- Hold Tight, Shine Bright (August 2018)
- Buenos Diaz (April 2019)
Personal Life
Diaz and Gaddis met at The Comedy Store in Los Angeles, California.[5] They married in 2012[16] and are raising two children together.[17]
References
- "Troubadour Radio: 'Jam Band' Releases A New Album For Kids".
- "- The Washington Post". Washington Post.
- "5 Latin Children's Music Artists You Should Know".
- "Picks and Pans Review: 8 Cool Kids' Albums Now!".
- "Alisha Gaddis & Lucky Diaz: Family Life in Showbiz".
- "2012 NAPPA Awards: Music - Philadelphia, PA". www.metrokids.com.
- Khoshaba, By Christy. "Latin Grammys 2013: The complete list of winners and nominees". latimes.com.
- "Latin Grammys 2015: See the Full Winners List".
- "Oh Lucky Day!". Parents' Choice Foundation.
- https://www.broadwayworld.com/bwwmusic/article/Hold-Tight-Shine-Bright-Album-to-Benefit-Detained-Immigrant-Children-20180824
- "Lishy Lou and Lucky Too" – via www.imdb.com.
- https://us.blastingnews.com/showbiz-tv/2017/07/interview-with-lucky-diaz-of-the-family-jam-band-001869125.html
- Heffley, By Lynne. "Half Lucky, full jam band to play at Descanso Gardens". latimes.com.
- "Lucky Diaz and the Family Jam Band". Bandsintown.
- "Welcome to Grand Performances". grandperformances.org.
- "Alisha Gaddis". IMDb.
- "Lucky Diaz's Bilingual Summer Song 'Paletero Man' Is an Immigrant Anthem For Kids: Video Premiere".