Jon Lukas (11 September 1948 – 11 June 2021), known as Woodenman, was a Maltese musician from Paola, Malta. He was the first solo artist in Maltese music history to achieve successful foreign pop chart placements in a number of non-native countries and to obtain a major global record company deal.[1]

Lukas in 1971 and in 2017

Career

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Jon's record “Can’t Afford To Lose”, composed by Gary Benson, released in 1970, became an international hit.[2] “Apart from making it to the Top 40 charts in some European territories, “Can't Afford To Lose” occupied the top place in the pop charts in Lebanon for a full month, holding back The Beatles' “The Long and Winding Road” from reaching the No.1 spot.[1]

In 1993, Lukas, accompanied by Marita, placed second in that year's Malta Song Festival with his own composition “Żommni u Għannaqni”. This was the first time that Lukas sang in his native Maltese language. The English version of this song, entitled “The Love We Share”, was produced by Indian-British music producer Biddu.[1]

In 1998[when?], Jon formed the band “Woodenman”. They recorded an album which topped the “Peoplesound” charts throughout August 1999”[when?]. They had gigs in Barcelona and Madrid.[3] When they disbanded, Lukas incorporated the band's name and became known as Jon Lukas Woodenman.

On 15 April 2009, Lukas started off a radio programme entitled “Woodenman’s Jukebox” on Malta's One Radio. This programme is still being transmitted on U.K.'s Channel Radio.[citation needed]

In the summer of 2008, Marc Storace of Krokus paid tribute to Lukas' 'Can't Afford to Lose'. During his concert, on the island of Gozo, Lukas surprised the audience as he emerged to sing the last half of the song in duet with Storace.[4]

After a long illness, Jon died on 11 June 2021.[5]

Discography

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Title Year Label & Record ID
Can't Afford to Lose / Can’t Make You Mine 1970 Columbia (DB 8736)
This Time / Summer Sun 1972 Satril (SAT 3)
Fleur / Now That You’re Gone 1974 ZINA (Z 100)
Love / She’s A Girl 197? Anthony D’Amato (A.D. 6044)
It Doesn’t Really Matter Now / Johnny There’s a Message For You 197? Centre - (RC 1013 42)
Żommni u Għannaqni / The Love We Share (With Marita) 1993 Cassette - Malta Song For Europe 1993
My Time (Woodenman) 1998 Digital Download
Far Away (orchestrated version) (acoustic version) 2007 Digital Download
Better Man 2007 Digital Download
Never Go Away (original version) (Scott Walker CodeRed Mix) 2011 Digital Download
Theme from Xablott 2012 Digital Download
Ain't No Mountain (Tribute to Marvin Gaye) 2012 Digital Download
Bad News 2013 Digital Download
Older-Better? (Original & Live Version) 2014 Digital Download
Regent Street (Lyndsay ft.Jon Lukas Woodenman) 2014 Digital Download

References

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  1. ^ a b c "Jon Lukas Woodenman - M3P". www.m3p.com.mt.
  2. ^ Michael Bugeja, “A Word With Woodenman”, The Times Of Malta, 16 June 2013, page 45
  3. ^ Stanley Borg,The Times, Weekender, 15 February 2013, page 6
  4. ^ The Malta Independent On Sunday, 20 July 2008, page 28
  5. ^ Jon Lukas, singer of hit song ‘Can’t Afford to Lose’ dies aged 72. The Times 11 June 2021 On-Line: https://timesofmalta.com/articles/view/jon-lukas-singer-of-hit-song-cant-afford-to-lose-dies-aged-72.878525 Retrieved 14 June 2021
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