Biography
Willie Lewis (born William T. Lewis on June 10, 1905, in Cleburne, Texas) was an influential American jazz clarinetist and bandleader whose career bridged continents and eras. Growing up in Dallas, Lewis began performing in variety shows as a teenager, quickly establishing himself as a talented musician. He pursued formal musical education at the New England Conservatory of Music, which laid the foundation for his future endeavors in jazz.
Lewis's early professional years were spent playing with Will Marion Cook's orchestra, which later came under the direction of Sam Wooding. With Wooding, Lewis toured extensively across Europe, South America, and North Africa, gaining exposure to international audiences and musical styles. After Wooding's orchestra disbanded in 1931, Lewis formed his own ensemble, Willie Lewis and His Entertainers, recruiting many of Wooding's former musicians. The band achieved notable success in Europe, recording for the French label Disques Swing and featuring prominent jazz artists such as Benny Carter, Bill Coleman, Herman Chittison, Garnet Clark, Bobby Martin, and June Cole. Their performances and recordings contributed to the spread of American jazz in Europe during the interwar period.
In 1941, Lewis disbanded the Entertainers and returned to New York City, where his musical activity waned. He occasionally performed and found work as an actor, but ultimately his fortunes declined, leading him to take up bartending. Despite a quieter later life, Lewis's legacy endures through his pioneering role in bringing jazz to European audiences and his collaborations with some of the genre's most respected musicians.
Fun Facts
- Willie Lewis attended the prestigious New England Conservatory of Music before launching his professional jazz career.
- His band, Willie Lewis and His Entertainers, was composed largely of musicians from Sam Wooding's orchestra, creating a direct link between two influential jazz ensembles.
- The Entertainers recorded for the French label Disques Swing, making them one of the few American jazz bands to record extensively in Europe during the 1930s.
- After disbanding his group and returning to New York, Lewis briefly worked as an actor before turning to bartending as his fortunes declined.
Members
- Willie Lewis
- John Mitchell
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- Will Marion Cook - Lewis played in Cook's orchestra early in his career, gaining foundational experience in jazz performance and orchestration. (Cook's orchestra tours) [1920s]
- Sam Wooding - Wooding took over Cook's orchestra and led international tours with Lewis as a member, exposing him to global jazz scenes. (Sam Wooding Orchestra tours) [1920s-1931]
Key Collaborators
- Benny Carter - Played as a member of Willie Lewis and His Entertainers, contributing arrangements and performances. (Recordings with Willie Lewis and His Entertainers (Disques Swing)) [1930s]
- Bill Coleman - Trumpeter and band member in Willie Lewis and His Entertainers. (Recordings with Willie Lewis and His Entertainers) [1930s]
- Herman Chittison - Pianist in Willie Lewis and His Entertainers. (Recordings with Willie Lewis and His Entertainers) [1930s]
- Garnet Clark - Pianist and band member in Willie Lewis and His Entertainers. (Recordings with Willie Lewis and His Entertainers) [1930s]
- Bobby Martin - Band member in Willie Lewis and His Entertainers. (Recordings with Willie Lewis and His Entertainers) [1930s]
- June Cole - Band member in Willie Lewis and His Entertainers. (Recordings with Willie Lewis and His Entertainers) [1930s]
Artists Influenced
- European jazz musicians - Lewis's band and recordings helped popularize American jazz in Europe, inspiring local musicians to adopt and adapt the style. (Disques Swing recordings, live performances) [1930s]
Connection Network
Discography
Top Tracks
- Memphis Blues (A Taste of 1938)
External Links
Tags: #jazz
References
Heard on WWOZ
WILLIE LEWIS AND HIS ENTERTAINERS has been played 2 times on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.
| Date | Time | Title | Show | Spotify |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 5, 2025 | 10:34 | SWING BROTHER SWINGfrom WILLIE LEWIS AND HIS ENTERTAINERS | Traditional Jazzw/ Tom Saunders | |
| Nov 5, 2025 | 09:24 | I CAN'T DANCEfrom AMERICANS IN PARIS VOL. 1 | Traditional Jazzw/ Tom Saunders |