"Recording an album is similar to building a house. You have something to show for the efforts at the end. Playing live is more organic but equally gratifying."

Lewis Stephens: Keys to the Highways

Lewis Stephens is a Fort Worth, Texas born keyboardist who has played and recorded with major artists from many different genres. Lewis Stephens has played the blues with Freddie King, Texas roadhouse with Delbert McClinton, bluegrass with Vassar Clements, and country with Bobby Bare, but he owes his career to Van Cliburn and a dedicated mother. Stephens began piano lessons at age five, one of countless Texas kids enrolled in piano lessons by their moms after Van Cliburn’s victory in the 1958 Tchaikovsky Piano Competition. He would spend the next 10 years training with the best classical piano teachers in his hometown of Fort Worth. Lewis played with Freddie King from 1973-1976 and then with Delbert McClinton for two years.  In the late 70’s he moved to Nashville where he played and recorded with Vassar Clements and Bobby Bare. He also spent time touring with Tracy Nelson and Marshall Chapman during a three year stay in music city before returning to Texas.                        (Lewis Stephens / Photo © by Adam Kennedy)

In the mid-90s, an invitation to attend one of Delbert McClinton’s Sandy Beaches Cruises revived his music career. Stephens has since performed and/or recorded with Stephen Bruton, Billy White Jr., Seth James, Andrew “Jr. Boy” Jones, Wanda King (Freddie's daughter), Marc Benno, Rob Roy Parnell, Anson Funderburgh, Danny Brooks, Mike Schermer, Gary Nicholson/Whitey Johnson, Mingo Fishtrap, Teresa James, Clarence "Gatemouth" Brown, Rob Roy Parnell, Dave Millsap, and more recently Danny Brooks, The Texas Blues Runners, The Rhythmators and Mike Zito & The Wheel. His fondest memories are of playing with friends who have passed on, including Stephen Bruton, Doyle Bramhall Sr. and Bugs Henderson, all fellow Texans who have “left an indelible mark on American music,” says Stephens. Lewis Stephens has been, as Delbert once said, “the back bone” of many bands and recording sessions. He has always tried to honor the song and the musical genre in both his live performances and recording work. Stephens remains a grateful, hardworking family man, always professional and prepared, whether stepping on stage or into the recording studio. He plans to keep playing as long as he lives and to enjoy every minute of it.

Interview by Michael Limnios                 Archive: Lewis Stephens, 2015 Interview

How has the Blues and Rock music influenced your views of the world and the journeys you’ve taken?

Even at its best, being a blues musician has always been a challenge. Long drives, low pay, cheesy motels and hard times are the life of a touring blues musician for all but the top 1%. You have to learn patience and how to be happy in all circumstances. You learn to lean on your brothers and sisters riding beside you. 

How do you think that you have grown as an artist since you first started making music? What has remained the same about your music-making process? 

I have been fortunate to play many genres of music. This has made me a more rounded musician with big ears. I still draw on my early classical training as far as technical ability and that training has never failed me.

What are some of the most important lessons you have learned from your experience in the music paths? 

Have patience. Be frugal and don’t quit your day job. I’ve run a remodeling business for 38 years to pay for my blues habit. 

"As in Freddie’s day some of the most loyal fans and largest turnouts are in Europe. The Europeans have always been huge fans of The Blues. America’s original music genre. Born in the cotton fields of Mississippi." (Photo: Lewis Stephens with Freddie King and his band in Paris, France 1974)

Why do you think that Freddie King music continues to generate such a devoted following?

Freddie King was unique in the Blues/Blues Rock universe. He was ferocious in his attack and fearless in his performance. 

I will never play with a more energetic and inspirational artist. Guess you could say I peaked early. Started my three years with Freddie when I was 18. 

The sheer abundance of Freddie’s studio recordings along with his live recordings and videos make it possible for new and future generations to really appreciate what he was able to do with a guitar and his voice. 

There will never be another Freddie King. All the blues artists I’ve met over the years have always wanted to talk about Freddie King.

What has made you laugh and what touched you from the late great great bluesman, Freddie King?

Freddie had a great sense of humor and loved to laugh and tease. I think his trust of me musically and personally touched me and gave me the confidence to tackle anything that life has thrown at me since.

Are there any memories from the famous Volunteer Jam VII of Charlie Daniels;  and your meeting with John Belushi which you’d like to share with us? 

I played the Charlie Daniels Volunteer Jam VII in 1981. I lived in Nashville for three years in the early 80s and played the Jam with Bobby Bare. Our recording from that night of the Shel Silverstein song, “Marie Laveau,” appeared on the CBS Records release of selected performances. Charlie always had a great mix of southern rock, country, blues and soul appear at his Jams. 

I met John Belushi playing at The Lone Star Cafe in New York City with Delbert McClinton. He and other celebrities would show up at the shows. Delbert was the darling of the New York Entertainment elite in the late seventies. John would party and get up and sit in with us. He partied hard as did I before I knew better.

"I have been fortunate to play many genres of music. This has made me a more rounded musician with big ears. I still draw on my early classical training as far as technical ability and that training has never failed me." (Veteran Texas born keyboardist Lewis Stephens & Mike Zito, 2024 / Photo © by Jim Kirk)

Do you think there is an audience for blues/roots music in its current state? or at least a potential for young people to become future audiences and fans? 

I see more young faces in the crowd over the past few years. I think there is a growing audience of young people that enjoy the feel and excitement of well played blues. 

I’ve been touring with Mike Zito for the past fourteen years and have played many great clubs and festivals. 

As in Freddie’s day some of the most loyal fans and largest turnouts are in Europe. The Europeans have always been huge fans of The Blues. America’s original music genre. Born in the cotton fields of Mississippi. 

We just returned from the Notodden Blues Festival in Norway. 8,000 people a night in a big tent. We also regularly play the Holland International Blues Festival that draws 15,000 a night.

What's the balance in music between technique and soul? Why is it important to we preserve and spread the blues? 

Both technique and soul/feel should come as naturally as breathing. This only comes from years of practice and playing with other great musicians. 

If you have to think about what you are playing, you are already four beats behind. I think that I am only truly “in the moment” when I’m playing in a great band. No thinking to get in the way of the pure thought free joy. 

Life is more than just music, is there any other field that has influence on your life and music? 

Faith, family and my construction business are important parts of who and what I am. They provide stability, comfort and financial security so I am free to indulge my love of recording and performing live. 

Recording an album is similar to building a house. You have something to show for the efforts at the end. Playing live is more organic but equally gratifying. 

I love to do both and plan to continue as long as I can. I will be 70 in December and have lived a blessed and rewarding life.

(Lewis Stephens / Photo © by Martin Flo)