We were shocked to hear about the passing of Don Lewis, an innovator who joins the great gig in the sky at age 81.
In the late 1960s and early 1970s, Don used a console organ, a few monophonic analog synthesizers and a rhythm box for his performances. He had the idea to interconnect the various devices so he could control them from his main keyboard and bass pedals.
This was a decade before MIDI, and even before Roland created its DCB technology.
The result was an instrument he called LEO (for Live Electronic Orchestra), a breakthrough achievement enabling him to sync tempo between his rhythm box and the synth’s arpeggiators, and to trigger and layer the synths at will.
Also see here for details about his electronic setup.
The Bob Moog Foundation remembers Don Lewis (1941-2022), an innovator who joins the great gig in the sky at age 81. Don was an electronic engineer who worked with world-class music makers including Michael Jackson, Quincy Jones, and The Beach Boys. He was also a respected sound designer, musician, vocalist, and the founder of two organizations encouraging kids’ interest in music and artistic self-expression.
He is remembered by all who knew him for his warm, positive, generous spirit.
Don was a synthesizer pioneer. In the late 1960s and early 1970s, he would use a console organ, a few monophonic analog synthesizers and a rhythm box for his performances. In the mid-1970s, he had the idea to interconnect the various devices so he could control them from his main keyboard and bass pedals. This was a decade before MIDI, and even before Roland created its DCB technology.
The result was an instrument he called LEO (for Live Electronic Orchestra), a breakthrough achievement enabling him to sync tempo between his rhythm box and the synth’s arpeggiators, and to trigger and layer the synths at will. A full breakdown of the system can be found here.
According to Ned Augustenberg, the filmmaker behind the upcoming documentary “Don Lewis and the Live Electronic Orchestra,” Lewis faced protest from the Musicians Union, in part due to fears around the music technology he created and used. The movie is slated for a February 2023 broadcast debut on PBS to as part of Black History Month.
He takes his place on the timeline of synthesis. We remember him, his music, his invention, and his abundant human warmth.
“LEO had a sound that was warm, ethereal, and dynamic. Combining several technologies resulted in a palette of unique sounds that were very soulful whether I was playing classical, jazz, gospel, or rock. Because of the nature of the analog sound of the synthesizers and the ability I had to create, manipulate, and play the sounds in real time, it was an incredible instrument to play. LEO was temperamental, needing lots of care and a stable environment of moderate temperatures and humidity. As a singer, I was able to devote more attention to delivering my message due to the newfound control over sounds and dynamics. LEO propelled me to perform differently than I had ever performed before and became a musical extension of me.” – Don Lewis
