Updated: November 21, 2024
Born: November 30, 1954
Vel Lewis (legal name is Velbert Lewis, Jr.) is an American contemporary jazz musician born on November 30, 1954, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. His primary instrument of choice is the Hammond organ; however he also plays piano, synthesizer keyboards, drums, and electric bass guitar.
He began his music career in 1965 as a 1st soprano vocalist with the Philadelphia All-Boys Choir under the direction of Dr. Carlton J. Lake. He attended Settlement Music School for vocal/piano training. He also began studies on concert flute. In 1966, he switched from flute to organ, and advanced to 1st soprano soloist in the Philadelphia All-Boys Choir Small Ensemble group. In 1967, he traveled with the Philadelphia All-Boys Choir Small Ensemble to Montreal, Canada and appeared at Expo ’67 as lead soloist. In 1968, he continued organ studies on the Hammond organ with Mr. Milton Myers, then with Dr. E. Woodley Kalehoff, Sr., White House pianist to U.S. President Harry Truman in 1969 for three years. He attended Overbrook High School between 1969 and 1972. During these years, he performed on a televised jazz program playing organ with drummer Gerry Brown and bassist John Lee, and recorded Hammond organ on gospel recording sessions for ABC's Peacock Record label with producer Ira Tucker, Sr. for albums by groups known as The Sensational Nightingales, The Gospelaires, and The Dixie Hummingbirds. In 1972, he was under recording contract with Philadelphia International Records, performing with a vocal group known as "The Futures". The group was known for their single, "Love Is Here".
In 1973, he performed and traveled with another vocal group known as "The Delfonics" and co-wrote and sang the opening lead vocal on a song released in 1974 on the Warner Bros. Reprise label entitled "Tell Me Why" by The Life Group, also known as "Life". In 1990, he co-produced songs with Tom Borton on Borton's albums "Dancing With Tigers" and "The Lost World", released on the Mesa/Bluemoon Records label.
In 1995, he began composing music as a songwriter for Los Angeles Post Music, a production music library founded by Tom Borton. LA Post Music's tracks appear on popular TV shows "Sex And The City", "Friends", "Mad About You", and "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air". Between the years 2003 through 2005, he performed on a World Tour with legendary singer Dionne Warwick. In 2005, he released his first solo debut album "All Wound Up" under the stage name of Shady Grady.
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- Nonprofit in Fort Bend County Transforms Lives Through Music
- Instruments of Hope: Empowering Every Child with Music - Hello World
- Meet Vel Lewis in Sugar Land - Voyage Houston Magazine | Houston City Guide
- DC Bebop Magazine - Vel Lewis
- Renowned jazz musician helps unprivileged students pursue music careers
- Harvey experience inspires jazz musician to compose ‘Houston Strong’
- Let’s Jazz It Up interview with Brenda Moss
- Meet Vel Lewis - International Recording Artist & Founder
- F. E. Olds, F2F Music Foundation Donate Horn to Student
- Beyond the Fit Interview with Holly Cotton
- F2F Music Foundation Instrument Donation
- HCC Beat - F2F Music Summer Camp with Vel Lewis
Award-Winning Jazz Hammond Organist Vel Lewis to Release New Single 'I Paid The Price' on November 15, 2024
Source:
Vel Lewis
Celebrated jazz Hammond organist Vel Lewis is set to release his highly anticipated new single, “I Paid The Price," a soulful and introspective piece showcasing his signature mastery of jazz, soul, and blues. The single will be available on all major streaming platforms on November 15, 2024. Lewis, known for his unmistakable touch on the Hammond organ, has crafted “I Paid The Price" to reflect his deep connection to life’s lessons, love, and the resilience that comes from overcoming challenges. ...
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F2F Music Foundation forms partnership with Gilbreath Communications to promote opportunities to aspiring young musicians
Source:
All About Jazz
Can improvisation be taught? According to F2F Music Foundation, the answer is a definite yes. F2F Music Foundation, a Houston area-based non-profit performing arts organization, is teaming up with Gilbreath Communications, Inc., to encourage young people to pursue their full potential musically and academically. Gilbreath will act as F2F’s public relations arm to inform young people and their parents about opportunities available through F2F. Founded by renowned contemporary jazz musician Vel Lewis, F2F works with local non-profit organizations and schools ...
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“So different and funky and refreshing. I'll be sure to play this song in days to come. It's special! Not a lot of artists tackle "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen." A favorite of mine - and to hear it done like this is a gift.” - Trish Hennessey, Hybrid Jazz From Trish Hennessey
“LOVE IT!!!!! Thank you!!! You just made my day…” - Annie Latin Jazzy Rodriguez of “Up Close & Personal with Latin Jazzy”
“God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen . . . guaranteed to be a classic and something you'll want to hear each holiday season.” – Guy Michaels of “The J-Spot” TV show and KPVU 91.3 FM Morning Show, Houston Tony Currie, Director of Programmes, Radio Six International Glasgow, Scotland
Primary Instrument
Organ, Hammond B3
Location
Houston
Willing to teach
Beginner to advanced
Credentials/Background
School District of Philadelphia (1973 - 1978): Teacher aide (Learning Disability), Title I Reading aide (2nd - 4th grades), Alternative school (7th - 9th grades) Professional musician since 1969
Jimmy Smith
organ, Hammond B3
George Duke
piano
Billy Hawks
organ, Hammond B3
Jack McDuff
organ, Hammond B3
Chester Thompson
organ, Hammond B3
James Brown
vocalsContact
Management and booking
Contact: Colorsound, LLC
Phone: (281) 404-5529
Email: [email protected]
