| George Lewis, one of the great clarinetists, was born in the French Quarter of New Orleans. He played with several early bands, including the Black Eagle Band, Buddy Petit's band and the Tuxedo Brass Band. Mr. Lewis was one of the musicians who benefited greatly from the resurgence of traditional New Orleans Jazz in the 1930's and 1940's. By the 1950's, he had organized a band which included Pumell Pavageau, Lawrence Marrero, Jim Robinson, Joe Watkins and Kid Howard. It toured very successfully in America, Europe and Asia. When in the city, he could often be found playing at Preservation Hall. The photo above and the top two below were taken while the band was on a tour in Japan. (You can find a moving tribute to George Lewis here.) |
