Seattle, WA—Dave Lewis, a trailblazer in the Northwest music scene, has passed away, leaving a profound void in the community that cherished his contributions. Known for his role in shaping the sound of Seattle’s rhythm and blues scene, Dave Lewis was inducted into the Northwest Music Hall of Fame in 1996, two years before his death. His legacy, however, is only now being fully recognized, as efforts to memorialize him are gaining momentum.
A fundraiser has been organized by Robert Peoples, aiming to honor Dave Lewis with a fitting tribute that reflects his immense influence and achievements. As a self-taught musician, Lewis mastered the Hammond B3 organ and led the Dave Lewis Combo, which opened for none other than Ray Charles at Seattle’s Black and Tan club. His music broke barriers, allowing him to perform in racially segregated venues that, once opened, never closed their doors to him.
Dave Lewis’ family, including his son Dave Lewis Jr., his grandson DeVonne Lewis, and great-grandson Donovan Kranzler-Lewis, continues to carry on his musical legacy, each excelling in their own right. This new effort to memorialize Dave aims to elevate him to the legendary status he truly deserves, honoring him alongside other icons of the Seattle music scene like Jimi Hendrix and Quincy Jones, both of whom were connected to Lewis’ family.
The current small tribute to him at Jackson and 23rd in Seattle is seen as insufficient, and supporters believe that his influence as the "Godfather" of Northwest R&B demands more. The fundraiser hopes to raise enough to create a lasting and respectful tribute to the man who opened doors for many black musicians in Seattle.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Lewis family during this time as they continue to celebrate and preserve the legacy of their beloved patriarch. May Dave Lewis rest in peace, and may his family find comfort in the lasting impact he made on music and the world.
Short Summary of Dave Lewis
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Dave Lewis |
| Fundraiser Created By | Robert Peoples |
| Goal Amount | Not specified |
| Amount Raised | No donations yet |
| Location | Seattle, WA |
| Purpose | Memorialize the legacy of Dave Lewis and honor his contributions to music |
Note:This post was written and edited by Scarlett Perez, based on their expertise and research. It is intended for informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice. We welcome your feedback and questions on this content. Please feel free to contact us.