George Lewis Ragtime Band

Biography

The George Lewis Ragtime Band was led by George Lewis, a renowned American jazz clarinetist born in New Orleans in 1900. Lewis began playing clarinet professionally as a teenager, quickly establishing himself within the vibrant New Orleans jazz scene. During the 1920s and 1930s, he performed with many local groups, including the Olympia Brass Band, Eureka Brass Band, and his own early ensembles, often collaborating with notable musicians such as Buddy Petit and Henry 'Red' Allen. The economic hardships of the Great Depression forced Lewis to take work outside of music, but he continued to play part-time, maintaining his deep connection to traditional New Orleans jazz.

Lewis’s career experienced a dramatic revival in the 1940s, when he was featured as the clarinetist in Bunk Johnson’s band for a series of influential recordings that sparked renewed interest in early jazz. After Johnson’s retirement, Lewis took over leadership of the band, which became known as the George Lewis Ragtime Band. Under his direction, the group became central to the New Orleans jazz revival, recording extensively and touring internationally, including celebrated visits to the UK, Denmark, and Japan. Lewis’s clarinet style was characterized by lyrical phrasing, rhythmic arpeggios, and a deeply expressive tone that resonated with audiences worldwide. He remained a fixture at Preservation Hall in New Orleans until his death in 1968, leaving a lasting legacy as one of the most influential figures in traditional jazz.

Fun Facts

• George Lewis’s signature piece, 'Burgundy Street Blues,' was improvised and recorded informally at his home while he was recovering from an injury.
• A club in Japan was once dedicated entirely to George Lewis, with every picture and record in the establishment featuring him.
• Lewis’s band was profiled in the June 6, 1950 issue of Look magazine, with photographs by the young Stanley Kubrick.
• Despite his international fame, Lewis remained deeply rooted in New Orleans, regularly performing at Preservation Hall until his death.

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Bunk Johnson - Trumpeter and bandleader who selected Lewis as his clarinetist for pivotal 1940s recordings, helping revive Lewis’s career. (Recordings with Bunk Johnson’s band (1942–1945)) [1942–1945]

Key Collaborators

• Lawrence Marrero - Banjoist and close friend, core member of Lewis’s bands and key participant in many recordings. (George Lewis Ragtime Band recordings, informal sessions (notably 'Burgundy Street Blues')) [1940s–1960s]
• Alcide Pavageau - Double bassist, frequent collaborator and band member, participated in key recordings and tours. (George Lewis Ragtime Band recordings, Preservation Hall Jazz Band) [1940s–1960s]
• Jim Robinson - Trombonist, featured in Lewis’s bands during the New Orleans jazz revival. (George Lewis Ragtime Band recordings, tours) [late 1940s–1960s]

Artists Influenced

• Monty Sunshine - British clarinetist influenced by Lewis’s recordings, became a key figure in the UK traditional jazz scene. (Work with Chris Barber’s Jazz Band) [1950s–1960s]
• Acker Bilk - British clarinetist inspired by Lewis’s expressive style and recordings. (Solo career, traditional jazz recordings) [1950s–1960s]
• Ken Colyer - British trumpeter and bandleader who toured and performed with Lewis, spreading New Orleans jazz in the UK. (Ken Colyer’s Jazzmen collaborations) [1950s]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. It's A Long, Long Way To Tipperary (Jazz In The Classic New Orleans Tradition)
2. Weary Blues (Birthright: A Black Roots Music Compendium)
3. Weary Blues (Birthright: A Black Roots Music Compendium (Traditional Jazz Sampler))
4. Panama - Live (Live at Boston Mass Arts Festival 1963)
5. Just a Closer Walk with Thee - Live (Live at Boston Mass Arts Festival 1963)
6. Washington & Lee Swing - Live (Live at Boston Mass Arts Festival 1963)
7. Walking with the King - Live (Live at Boston Mass Arts Festival 1963)
8. Burgundy Street Blues - Live (Live at Boston Mass Arts Festival 1963)
9. Ice Cream - Live (Live at Boston Mass Arts Festival 1963)
10. Chinatown, My Chinatown - Live (Live at Boston Mass Arts Festival 1963)

External Links

• Spotify
• Wikipedia