He attended the New England Conservatory of Music and then played in Will Marion Cook's orchestra.
[1] When Cook's band was taken over by Sam Wooding, Lewis traveled with him on tours of Europe, South America, and North Africa, remaining until Wooding disbanded the orchestra in 1931.
[1] Among those who played under Lewis were Herman Chittison, Benny Carter, Bill Coleman, Garnet Clark, Bobby Martin, and June Cole.
Lewis's Entertainers recorded for French label Disques Swing.
[1] He performed infrequently after this;[1] although he found some work as an actor, he took up bartending as his fortunes declined.