In this talk JT Lewis reflects on his history as an accomplished musician and his education in New York City. He delivers a powerful message of the importance of exposing students to all of the arts.

JT LEWIS has performed/recorded with over 200 artists from all genres from the Jazz greats such as Stanley Turrentine, Roy Ayers, Herbie Hancock, Lena Horne, and Dave Sanborn, to the Pop icons such as Tina Turner, Sting, Lou Reed, Marianne Faithfull, Elvis Costello, Whitney Houston, Debbie Harry, Garland Jeffreys, and Vanessa Williams, to the Jazz revolutionaries such as Don Pullen, David Murray, Henry Threadgill, Marc Ribot, Sonny Sharrock, Pete Cosey, Bill Laswell, Kip Hanrahan, and many more.
He is also one of the original members of Vernon Reid’s Living Colour.
He is currently co-leader of the Avant Metal Jazz band “HARRIET TUBMAN”, featuring Melvin Gibbs (Bass) and Brandon Ross (Guitars) and co-leader of Funk/Rock group “SOCIALYBRIUM” featuring Bernie Worrell, Melvin Gibbs, and Blackbird Mcknight.
He has “subbed” for the great Bernard ”PRETTY” Purdie on the “GODFATHERS OF GROOVE” tour featuring Grant Green Jr (guitar) and Rueben Wilson (Hammond B3)……a great honor….
JT has been (and still is) the Drummer for the Legendary VANESSA WILLIAMS for the past 18 yrs…

This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx