Lewis, Gordon 1970-02-03

Gordon Lewis traces his music career from the early days playing with various bands to his solo appearances playing "Night Train" on two horns and his later career in the Dallas Public Schools as a music teacher.

General Interview Information

Interviewee Name: Gordon Lewis

Additional Parties Recorded: None

Date: February 03, 1970

Location: Dallas, Texas

Interviewer: Fred Carpenter

Length: 2 hours, 20 minutes

Abstract

Tape 1, Side 1: Offer from Hollywood turned down, Gene Goldkette’s Band, Cape Cod days, Had many famous people in audiences, Jerry Colonna plays trombone, Jack Miller is recalled.

Tape 1, Side 2: Rudy Vallee is hit with grapefruit, Duke Ellington and his band, Lewis finds a sax player for Ellington’s band.

Tape 2, Side 1: Frank Fontaine is a good friend, Playing at the Cat and Fiddle Club, "Night Train" becomes a trademark, Playing two horns in his act, Working-class audiences differ, Experiences with such audiences, The Dogpatch Club in Kentucky, An oilman influences Lewis to come to Texas.

Tape 2, Side 2: Booked into a club in Corpus Christi, Misjudged distances—unable to make date, Goes to Dallas, working in clubs, Gets into the Dallas schools, The Goldenaires group is formed, Playing at orphanages, old folks’ homes, and veterans’ hospitals, Opinion of today’s music, Varies.

Range Dates: 1920s-1940s

Bulk Dates: 1920s-1940s

Access Information

Original Recording Format:

Recording Format Notes:

Transcript:

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