Old Rugged Cross Lewis George 1962

Old Rugged Cross Lewis George 1962
George Lewis plays Old Rugged Cross during a performance in Japan in 1962.
George Lewis (13 July 1900 -- 31 December 1968) was an American jazz clarinetist who achieved his greatest fame and influence in his later decades of life. He was born in the French Quarter of New Orleans, Louisiana. Lewis was playing clarinet professionally by 1917. He played with Buddie Petit, Chris Kelly regularly, and sometimes with Kid Ory and many other band leaders, seldom traveling far from the greater New Orleans area.
In 1942 some jazz fans and writers came to New Orleans to record the legendary older trumpeter Bunk Johnson, and Bunk picked Lewis for the recording session. Lewis, almost totally unknown outside of New Orleans, impressed many listeners, and he made his first recordings under his own name for American Music Records.
The Burgundy Street Blues was titled by Russell (who also created new names for a number of Lewis's interpretations of old pop tunes). It was originally simply an improvised blues based on figures from the records of Louis Armstrong.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• jazz
• classic
• new
• orleans
• lewis

[wotpho]

I saw and heard George Lewis play at the old Hangover Club in San Francisco in 1949. I was 14 and was staying across the street by myself at the Colonial Hotel, and I have loved his music ever since.

[MoleDFigg]

Hi Bob,

I have just played this again, I want this played at my funeral!!

(Not that I am making any urgent plans.)

Thanks again,

Clive.

[yammayammaman]

@walcote1 No, it's not George's clarinet

[astrotasmania]

It was guys like this and Monty Sunshine that made me buy a clarinet and learn these great jazz numbers. Great music.

Shevill Mathers, Ex Leeds UK

[iwasagasman]

I tried to see George when he came to London in the mid 60s. I couldn't find anywhere to park my car nearby, had an argument with my girl friend who was losing patience with me. Gave it up and went home. Regretted ever since not seeing this living legend in the history of New Orleans jazz actually in the flesh. He sadly died a few years later

[craftylildevil]

@knockout tom sancton. He was George Lewis' student. He even wrote a book called "song for my fathers"

[saetta494]

E sempre una meraviglia ascoltare queste note, peccato che la qualità del video non sia eccezionale.

[batosai042712]

simple, yet transcending.. relaxing like moving in the wind of timeless moment, in an everchanging grace..

[KnockOut22]

Does anyone know any other Clarinet player as good as this man?

[hotjazz9569]

Hope you are still playing your clarinet. Wonderful you are being inspired by the great George Lewis. Please keep it going. Play pretty and from the heart.

[camachonlennon]

no se olviden de tony scott y buddy de francoooooooo