His father was a musician whose main instrument was a three-coursed Latin guitar-like chordophone known as a Tres.

[2] While performing at a party, he was discovered by an executive from RCA Records, which released his debut album (I Am Now, 1970) of pop and jazz standards.

His second album, Rashida, contained only songs written by Lucien, with "Lady Love" receiving radio airplay.

[2][3] He recorded two albums for Columbia before making guest appearances on Yesterday's Dreams by Alphonso Johnson and Mr. Gone by Weather Report.

[2][4] Another daughter died in the crash of TWA Flight 800,[6] and Lucien dedicated his album Endless Is Love (1997) to her.