Meade “Lux” Lewis

Among the 3 great boogie-woogie pianists (alongside Albert Ammons and Pete Johnson) whose appearance in John Hammond’s 1938 Spirituals to Golf swing concert helped begin the boogie-woogie trend, Meade “Lux” Lewis was a robust if somewhat small player. He performed frequently in Chicago in the past due ’20s and his one single record of that time period, “Honky Tonk Teach Blues” (1927), was regarded a vintage. However, apart from a few edges support little-known blues performers, Lewis gained small extra function and slipped into obscurity. John Hammond noticed Lewis’ record in 1935 and, following a search, discovered Lewis washing vehicles for a full time income in Chicago. Shortly, Lewis was back again on information and following the 1938, concert he could work steadily, occasionally in duets or trios with Ammons and Johnson. He became the very first jazz pianist to dual on celeste (beginning in 1936) and was highlighted on that device on the Blue Take note quartet time with Edmond Hall and Charlie Christian; he also performed harpsichord on several information in 1941. Following the boogie-woogie trend ended, Lewis continuing employed in Chicago and California, documenting as past due as 1962, although at that time he was virtually neglected. Lewis led periods over time that have turn out on MCA, Victor, Blue Take note, Solo Artwork, Euphonic, Stinson, Atlantic, Storyville, Verve, Tops, ABC-Paramount, Riverside, and Philips.