Jon Lukas

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.

Career Jon's record “Can’t Afford To Lose”, composed by Gary Benson, released in 1970, became an international hit. “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. 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.

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.

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

Discography 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 DownloadAin't No Mountain (Tribute to Marvin Gaye)2012 Digital Download Bad News2013 Digital Download Older-Better? (Original & Live Version)2014 Digital Download Regent Street (Lyndsay ft.Jon Lukas Woodenman)2014 Digital Download