Willie Lewis

William T. Lewis (né Willie Meria Tawlton Lewis; 10 June 1905 – 13 January 1971) was an American jazz clarinetist and bandleader.[1]

For the rockabilly musician, see Willie Lewis (rockabilly musician). For the American boxer, see Willie Lewis (boxer).

Career

Lewis was born Cleburne, Texas. He grew up in Dallas and played in variety shows as a teen. He attended the New England Conservatory of Music, then played in Will Marion Cook's orchestra. When Cook's band was taken over by Sam Wooding, Lewis traveled with him on his tours of Europe, South America, and North Africa, remaining until Wooding disbanded the orchestra in 1931.

Main article: Chocolate Kiddies 1925 European tour

Following this Lewis set up his own band, Willie Lewis and His Entertainers, which featured some of Wooding's old players and played to great success in Europe. Among those who played under Lewis were Herman Chittison, Benny Carter, Bill Coleman, Garnet Clark, Bobby Martin, and June Cole. Lewis's Entertainers recorded for French label Disques Swing.

In 1941 Lewis disbanded the Entertainers and returned to New York City. He played sparsely after this; he found some work as an actor, but took up bartending as his fortunes declined. He died in New York City, aged 65.

References

General
  1. Willie Lewis at Allmusic

Inline
  1. "U.S. WWII Draft Cards Young Men, 1940-1947" (online via Ancestry.com)
    1. Name: Willie Meria Tawlton Lewis
    2. DOB: June 10, 1905
    3. POB: Cleburne, Texas
    4. Residence: 401 Convent Avenue, New York
    5. Serial No: 1741
    6. Order No: 11024
    Local [Draft] Board 60, RKO Hamilton Theatre Building, 559 West 146th Street, New York, February 15, 1942
    Source: Draft Registration Cards for New York City, 16 October 1940 to 31 March 1947. 1376 boxes. NAI: 7644743. Records of the Selective Service System, 1926–1975, Record Group 147. NARA, St Louis, Missouri
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