Ed Lewis

Who was Ed Lewis?

Ed Lewis was an American jazz trumpeter.

Born in Eagle City, Oklahoma, Lewis played early in his career in Kansas City with Jerry Westbrook as a baritone hornist, then switched to trumpet in 1925. He played with Paul Banks and Laura Rucker before joining the Bennie Moten Orchestra, where he played from 1926-1932 and was the primary trumpet soloist until Hot Lips Page became a member. In the 1930s he worked with Thamon Hayes, Harlan Leonard, and Jay McShann. In 1937 he joined the Count Basie Orchestra, where he remained until 1948; he recorded frequently with Basie but almost never soloed.

In the 1950s Lewis led his own band in New York City for strictly local gigs, and worked for a period as a taxicab driver. He returned to play with The Countsmen in Europe in 1984, shortly before his death. Lewis never led his own recording session.

Harry "Sweets" Edison considered Ed Lewis and Snooky Young "the two greatest first trumpet players" he ever played with.