George Lewis – American jazz clarinetist (13 July 1900 – 31 December 1968) was born in the French Quarter of New Orleans, Louisiana. Lewis most likely was playing clarinet professionally by 1917. He toured and performed with the “re-discovered” trumpeter Bunk Johnson, during the 1940′s. In 1950, he was featured in Look magazine and that exposure led to him becoming one of the most popular figures of the Dixieland revival of the 1950s and 1960s. His sound was a pure and beautiful “New Orleans style” clarinet which is best exemplified on blues and hymns. To this day he and his band remain an inspiration for many aspiring New Orleans players.

Check out George’s work on

Burgundy Street Blues