Shakin R&B from The Lone Star State’s Luvenia Lewis

This track can be found on the “Singles Mixer Vol. 2” Podcast.

Hailing from Houston, TX, Luvenia had an unfortunately brief recording career, only putting out a handful of singles in the 60’s (and one in the early 70s) both under her given name and Lovely Lewis.  The latter on the Duke label and the name change was done at the insistence of label head Don Robey.

Today’s record is a perfect in the pocket R&B shaker, starts with the pumping organ and drums that sound like 100 other songs from this time, but when Luvenia’s voice comes in the song really picks up.  Add in the wimpering horns and the super clean guitar solo and we have lots more to listen to and they work with Lewis’ voice beautifully to give her simultaneously more grit and refinement.

Though her recorded output was (unfortunately) limited she was an active and influential musician in the Houston scene during this period, performing regularly as a singer in the local clubs and groups including singing for her husband Cal Green (who later became the lead guitarist for Hank Ballard and was the brother of session musician and Rhythmaires band leader Clarence Green.)

Here’s a great video about T-Bone Walker from the mid 80’s that has a very brief clip of Luvenia in it if you’re interested in seeing her sitting down, not performing.  It’s worth 15 minutes of your time even if you’re not, facebook isn’t going any where…

Hope you enjoy!

-George / Snack Attack