He is considered one of the most prominent rhythm guitarists of Chicago blues along with Eddie Taylor, Jody Williams and Freddie Robinson.

He variously worked with Little Walter, Otis Rush, Muddy Waters, John Lee Hooker, The James Cotton Blues Band and Elvin Bishop.

Lockwood educated Tucker about minor diminished ninth and thirteenth chords to big bar-chords, and the subtle nuances of jazz guitar.

[3] First, as part of a twosome with Lockwood, and later as a lead guitarist, Tucker recorded on numerous classic sides behind Little Walter, Sonny Boy Williamson II, Jimmy Rogers, Muddy Waters, and Howlin' Wolf.

[3] He also recorded with Otis Rush, Snooky Pryor, and after moving to the West Coast, John Lee Hooker, Robben Ford, and Elvin Bishop.

[4] In the late 1960s, Tucker worked in Muddy Waters' band along with harmonica player, James Cotton, and drummer, Francis Clay.

Clay brought a new dimension to the band and Tucker further developed his skills, playing soul tunes and jazz arrangements, utilizing the octave, minor and diminished chords he had learned from Lockwood.

[3] For several years he worked with John Lee Hooker's band, Grayson Street Houserockers, L. C. Robinson, and as a house musician at Clifford Antone's club in Austin, Texas.

He would also play as part of supporting bands behind visiting friends and bluesmen including Fenton Robinson, Freddie King and Jimmy Reed.