MP3 Mike Lewis - One Teardrop Falls
Acoustic Singer-Songwriter Mike Lewis''s Style is best described as Americana/Roots Country in the flavors of Don Williams and Martin Delray
10 MP3 Songs
COUNTRY: Country Folk, COUNTRY: Modern Country
Details:
Mike Lewis was raised in Ohio and spent time in New York City where his father worked as a newscaster for NBC. Today, Lewis is a nightly news anchor for the New York Times ABC Television affiliate in the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, Pa. market. The broadcast has been the highest-rated 6:00 p.m. newscast in the nation several times in the past few years. In a span of thirteen years, Lewis has built his career as an award-winning television reporter in the Norfolk, Virginia area, and he gained acclaim and street credibility while reporting on the gangs in Compton, California - before, during, and after the riots of the mid-nineties. He was so well-thought-of there that he often helped local police with in-service training for their officers.
Lewis'' passion for music and songwriting was established early in his life. Lewis recalls: "Before my father made the move to New York City, he managed a singing group for a short time who was based in Columbus, Ohio. One of the band members was Gene Cotton, and he had a tremendous influence on me and my music." Cotton had great success as a writer with songs including "Before My Heart Finds Out," and he also sang with Kim Carnes on a duet entitled "You''re A Part Of Me." (Carnes later became famous for her own solo career mega-hit, "Betty Davis Eyes"). The bond that Lewis and Cotton share has remained close through the years. Lewis also draws musical influences from many other songwriters from varied genres, including Gordon Lightfoot, Johnny Cash and Bruce Hornsby, among others. Lewis says: "Writing and the expression of the heart is the best. I saw at an early age what happens when a singer/songwriter connects in song. You can change moods, hearts, minds, and even in some cases, lives! That''s how songs impact me."
In 2003 Mike Lewis released his debut album Umbrellas In The Sun, which was produced by Nashville music veteran, Steve Gibson. The album of folk-country songs written by Lewis was well-received by the critics. All of the proceeds from the sale of the initial run of the project went to benefit the Boys and Girls Clubs of Northeast Pennsylvania. As of July 2004, the project had raised over $75,000 for the organization.
Lewis has followed up that success with his newly completed CD, entitled One Teardrop Falls. He returned to Nashville to record the project, and Steve Gibson, (whose credits include Randy Travis, Aaron Tippin, and Michael Martin Murphey) reprised his role as producer. Lewis also welcomed his mentor, Gene Cotton to be involved. "Gene was part of my recording session, and he and I co-wrote "In My Hour Of Need" which was a real thrill! As usual, he had some great ideas, and along with Steve Gibson, they both are a God-send," Lewis remarks. Unlike Umbrellas, One Teardrop Falls is being marketed to promote Lewis'' burgeoning performing and songwriting career. It will further establish his sound which his fans have come to love. A sound described by one critic as: "a cross between Jim Croce, Kris Kristofferson and Bob Dylan." Good company to be compared to. Lewis concludes: "I just write the kind of music that moves me - and I like to listen to. I just hope other people like it too."
Based on the reception so far, Mike Lewis'' music has indeed touched and moved many people in a very positive way.