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Vel Lewis

Born: November 30, 1954

Vel Lewis (Velbert Lewis, Jr.) is an award-winning American contemporary jazz recording artist, Hammond organist, composer, producer, and multi-instrumentalist whose career spans more than six decades. Known for his distinctive Hammond organ sound, soulful melodies, and groove-driven approach to contemporary jazz, Lewis has built a career encompassing recording, international touring, television composition, production, and performance.

Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Lewis 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. As a featured soloist with the choir's Small Ensemble, he performed internationally, including an appearance at Expo '67 in Montreal, Canada. He studied voice and piano at Settlement Music School and later focused on organ, studying under Milton Myers and Dr. E. Woodley Kalehoff, who had served as a White House pianist under President Harry S. Truman.