People, Locations, Episodes

Wed, 09.01.1943

Webster Lewis, Entertainer born

*Webster Lewis was born on this date in 1943. He was a Black musician, singer, composer, and arranger.

His parents were Webster S. Lewis, Sr., and Virgie Gaines Lewis, both from Baltimore, Maryland. Young Lewis graduated from Morgan State College and earned a Master's degree from the New England Conservatory of Music, where he also served as an associate dean from 1972 to 1978. During these years, he recorded with Epic Records and performed music popular with soul and jazz fans.

Lewis moved to Los Angeles in the mid-1970s. Before his move, Webster recorded 'Live At Club 7' on Counterpoint Records. 'Touch My Love' followed two years later. His music career consisted of conducting and arranging for many musicians, including Michael Jackson, The Jacksons, Barry White, Tom Jones, Lola Falana, and Thelma Houston.

He also wrote music for several feature films and television specials. Webster was also a recording artist and producer for many companies, including CBS Records. In recent years, he moved to television commercial work and movie soundtrack songwriting (including 'The Hearse' and 'The Sky Is Grey').  His last record was with Barry White, entitled 'Welcome Aboard.' Lewis moved into production work after these releases, producing Gwen McCrae and Michael Wycoff.

Webster Lewis died of diabetic complications on November 20, 2002, in Barryville, New York.

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