Luckey Roberts was one of the first "stride" piano players, who pioneered the style with Willie "The Lion" Smith (who was at the photo shoot, but doesn't appear in the final shot). As a child, Luckey toured with acts like Gus Seekes' Pickaninnies and Mayne Remington's Ethopian Prodigies. In 1910 Luckey moved to New York City and began playing at the Little Savoy Club. During the 20s and 30s Luckey became famous as a composer and producers of vaudeville shows. By the 30s he had 14 of his musical comedies produced. From 1940 to 1954 he owned the Rendezvous Club in New York City. He played until shortly before his death, surviving a serious car crash and two strokes.