George Lewis

bIOGRAPHY

George Lewis (1900-1968) was one of the most influential forces in the New Orleans Traditional Jazz revival of the 1950s and 60s. He recorded live albums in Stockholm, Tokyo, and London and gained worldwide acclaim for sharing the joyful musical traditions of the Crescent City. When the Great Depression hit, George Lewis took on extra work as a stevedore to pay the bills. He was seriously injured at the docks in 1943 and it was unclear whether he would ever be able to play again. However, he was determined to keep practicing while healing at home. He famously recorded his signature piece “Burgundy Street Blues” in bed when his bandmates Alcide Pavageau and Lawrence Marrero came to visit him.