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Father Al's moniker came
from the similarities noted in his banjo styles that were similar to the
piano work of Earl "Fatha"
Hines. Born on August 9, 1904, In Houma , LA; his family soon afterwards
moved to New Orleans. Lewis spent his teenage years in Chicago where
he took an interest in ukulele. When he returned to New Orleans he
purchased one.
Later, after learning banjo and
guitar his first full time job as musician was on a riverboat that ran
between Camden, Arkansas and New Orleans. He began to imitate the style of
prominent jazz pianist on the banjo.
Over the years he worked with several of
the great jazz artists such as Bunk Johnson and King Oliver. During WWII
Lewis switched from banjo to guitar but would continue to bring his banjo to
play. He was forced to play only guitar when his banjo was stolen one
night.
In the 1950's music jobs became
scarce and Lewis took a full-time job with an Insurance company. In the
1970's Lewis came out of retirement and was a regular with the "Preservation
Hall" jazz band. |
