Lawrence "Judge" Riley was an American blues and jazz drummer born on January 1, 1909, in New Orleans, Louisiana. He played with traveling New Orleans jazz bands until 1938, when he settled in St. Louis. In mid-1941, Riley moved to Chicago, where he joined his friend Ransom Knowling. This relocation led to an introduction to Lester Melrose, who hired them as a rhythm section for his productions. Throughout his career, Riley was associated with groups such as Big Bill And His Chicago Five, Big Bill And His Rhythm Band, and Big Bill Broonzy & His Big Little Orchestra. He was credited in numerous recordings and compilations, including appearances on various blues collections in the late 1990s. Riley passed away on August 22, 1977, in Chicago, Illinois.