Daily Dose Of Jazz…

William T. Lewis, born Willie Meria Tawlton Lewis on June 10, 1905 in Cleburne, Texas. Growing up in Dallas, Texas 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, he traveled with him on his tours of Europe, South America, and North Africa, remaining until Wooding disbanded the orchestra in 1931.

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

In 1941 Willie disbanded the Entertainers and returned to New York City. He played sparsely after this but found some work as an actor, but took up bartending as his fortunes declined.

Clarinetist and bandleader Willie Lewis passed away on January 13, 1971 in New York City, at age 65.

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