Vel Lewis

Vel Lewis (Velbert Lewis, Jr.) is an American contemporary jazz musician, composer, and multi-instrumentalist born on November 30, 1954, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Renowned for his signature sound on the Hammond organ, Lewis is equally skilled on piano, synthesizers, drums, and electric bass, bringing a rich, versatile approach to his music.

He began his musical journey in 1965 as a first soprano vocalist with the Philadelphia All-Boys Choir under the direction of Dr. Carlton J. Lake. A standout soloist, he performed internationally with the choir’s Small Ensemble, including a featured appearance at Expo ’67 in Montreal, Canada. He studied voice and piano at Settlement Music School and initially trained on concert flute before transitioning to organ in 1966.

Lewis continued his musical development under the guidance of respected instructors Milton Myers and Dr. E. Woodley Kalehoff, who had served as a White House pianist under President Harry Truman. During his years at Overbrook High School, he gained early professional experience performing on a televised jazz program alongside drummer Gerry Brown and bassist John Lee. He also contributed Hammond organ recordings to gospel sessions for ABC/Peacock Records, working with legendary producer Ira Tucker, Sr. and renowned groups including The Sensational Nightingales, The Gospelaires, and The Dixie Hummingbirds.

In 1972, Lewis recorded with Philadelphia International Records as a member of The Futures, known for their single “Love Is Here.” He later performed with The Delfonics and co-wrote and sang lead on “Tell Me Why,” released in 1974 by The Life Group (also known as Life) on the Warner Bros. Reprise label, which has since been recognized among the Top 100 Northern Soul classics.

Lewis expanded into production and composition in the 1990s, collaborating with Tom Borton on the albums Dancing With Tigers and The Lost World. He later composed for Los Angeles Post Music, including a series of six (6) TV commercials for Chrysler-Plymouth Motors featuring Tina Turner as spokesperson, and contributed to a catalog featured in popular television series including Sex and the City, Friends, Mad About You, and The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.

From 2003 to 2005, Lewis toured internationally with legendary vocalist Dionne Warwick, further solidifying his reputation as a world-class performer.

In 2005, he released his debut solo album All Wound Up on the Universal/Bungalo Records label under the name Shady Grady, writing or co-writing all tracks. His later projects continued to build his presence in contemporary jazz, including the EP Colors of Soul, with the single “Song For My Love” reaching #67 on the Groove Jazz Music Top 100 in 2014.

In 2021, Lewis released “Forever More” featuring Larry Braggs, which received strong airplay and chart success. In 2022, he partnered with guitarist Michael Garvin to release “PlayTyme” and “Bossaflowz,” both achieving international chart recognition and continued global airplay.

In June 2024, Lewis received the Houston Black Music Award for Best Jazz Male Performer, presented by the Black Music Association and Academy of America. His career reflects a lifelong dedication to musical excellence, innovation, and the enduring power of contemporary jazz.

Awards

ASCAP Plus Awards (2013, 2014)

Houston Black Music Awards "Best Jazz Male"  - Presented on June 23, 2024 (Black Music Association & Academy of America)

Nominated for Texas State Artist designation (September 6, 2024)

Gear

Hammond B3, Hammond Sk-2, Yamaha moX8