Born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio, Uncle Lewie began his musical experience as a drummer/percussionist at age eight playing at school and for church musicals. At the age of 12, he was the drummer for Alpha, Gamma, Omega, a three-piece R&B/Funk/Rock band which consisted of two additional neighbors. While sitting behind the drum set playing at one of the band's gigs, Uncle Lewie was taken by the strong vibrations coming from the bass players rig. He began teaching himself how to play the bass guitar and ended up playing bass live on some of the bands songs.
Uncle Lewie moved to Columbus, Ohio where he gained experience in the recording studio and toured with The Bishops of Columbus, Ohio, Soloist, Cardell Newton, Trinity of Toledo, Ohio and The Columbus, Ohio Chapter of the Gospel Music Workshops of America Choir. Uncle Lewie has accompanied national recording artist, Shirley Murdock with the Columbus, Ohio Bibleway Mass Choir, national recording artist Anointed, Mississippi Mass Choirs' Rev. Milton Biggham, Bob Bailey, gospel recording artist and former background vocalist for Dolly Parton, Derrick Lee, pianist and musical director for Bobby Jones Gospel and bassist for gospel artist, Quan Howell, composer/soloist with the Sounds of Blackness. Quan also played the role of a preacher in Tyler Perry's stage play, Madea's Family Reunion.
Uncle Lewie has not only performed with numerous local Columbus, Ohio, gospel groups and choirs, he has performed with groups opening for national recording artist such as the late Rev. James Cleveland, The New Jersey Mass Choir, Rev. Milton Brunson and the Thompson Community Choir, The Richard Smallwood Singers, Commissioned, and Grammy award winners The Winans.
After relocating to Toledo, Ohio, where he presently resides, Uncle Lewie performs with Groovemaster. Uncle Lewie plays keyboards and bass for the band. Known for their Lake Erie Style, Roots Rock Reggae, the band has performed at the Dayton Third World Reggae Festival in Dayton, Ohio. Groovmaster has also opened for the world renowned Wailers.
Since January 2005, Uncle Lewie has been playing bass for St. Martin de Porres Parish.
Uncle Lewie can also be seen playing bass for the high energy reggae band Crucial 420, "the hiphopfolksinger," Chris Genteel, Toledo's own, Ms. Kyle White, and most recent, Steven Jay and the Ogres.
Uncle Lewie has played bass for '"Epitome." The band has opened for nationally known acts and artist such as, Rare Earth, the late great Gregory Hines and also performed at a reception following an appearance to the Glass City by Wayne Brady. "Not Your Basic Blues Band," opening for the late great lengendary blues guitarist, Robert Lockwood, Jr. Local gospel group "Ushering," The Alpha Cats, a Rock, Rhythm and Blues Quartet. (Visit The Alpha Cats My Space page at http://www.myspace.com/alphacats), and he has played bass and percussion with the "Foundation of Funk." A funk band based out of Ypsilanti, Michigan.
An active member of The Professional Musicians of Northwest Ohio, Local 15-286 ALF/CIO, Uncle Lewie is presently sequencing music which will be with an additional vocalist/musician or performed as an one-man band in the future.
Uncle Lewie proudly uses and endorses GHS Strings & Accessories, Hartke Amps and Cabinets, Samson Mics and Wireless Units, Zoom Equipment, Gruv Gear, and Rocktron Products.