J Lue and the Crew
Memphis, Tennessee, United States | Established. Jan 01, 2007 | SELF
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A jazzy musical duo from Memphis won the grand prize in the Mid-South Fair Youth Talent Contest Sunday, with an instrumental version of "Georgia on My Mind" that wowed the audience and the judges.
Half of the duo, Jeremy Lewis, 18, discovered his innate talent as a young kid, playing a toy saxophone his mother bought him. Noticing his ability to jam along with records, she bought him the real thing, an alto sax, and the training that went along with it.
Brothers Rashad (left), 13, and Jeremy Lewis, 18, who call their act Double Trouble, captured the grand prize in the Mid-South Fair Youth Talent Contest, Senior Division on Sunday. The duo performed a rendition of "Georgia On My Mind." Justin Shaw Special to The Commercial Appeal
One day, mom came home with a piano and asked if anyone in the house wanted to play it. Younger brother Rashad Lewis, 13, adopted the stray keyboard, and since then the pair have played together at home and in contests.
After several years of competing in separate age divisions, the brothers were finally able to combine their talent in the contest's Senior Division, now in its 55th year at the Mid-South Fair.
The duo, Double Trouble, packed a one-two punch at the competition, snatching the top prize of $3,000 and an audition at CBS studios in Los Angeles.
"It was a total surprise to us," Jeremy said. "We weren't sure we were going to win because there were so many good competitors this year."
Charles Stewart, a local music teacher and a judge in the semi-finals, echoed Jeremy Lewis' sentiments.
"All 20 of the kids who made it to the finals deserved to be there," he said. "Any one of them could have been in the winner's circle, but Double Trouble just had a lot of raw talent. They are born musicians, and every note they play reflects that."
The Youth Talent Competition, Senior Division, features solo and group acts ages 13-21, and is an entertainment staple of the fair. A number of contestants who have gone on to become famous have crossed the stage over the years, including Justin Timberlake and Jessica Andrews.
Four hundred total competitors were winnowed down to 72 semi-finalists in last week's marathon preliminaries. Twenty finalists then had their four minutes before the judges on Sunday. - THE COMMERCIAL APPEAL by Christopher Blank
Sax player Jeremy"J Lue" Lewis and brother Rashad"Shaddy Lue" Lewis entertain a lunchtime crowd at Court Square during a Downtown Alive performance. The on-street performance series runs through June 29. - THE DAILY NEWS by Andy Peek
Discography
Still working on that hot first release.
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Bio
Born and raised in Memphis, TN saxophonist Jeremy “J Lue” Lewis has been performing nearly all of his life along with his brother pianist, Rashad "the Crew" Lewis. As early as high school J Lue was awarded for Outstanding Achievement, Musicianship and recognized for accomplishments and dedication to his true love, music!!!
Both J Lue and the Crew have studied under the instruction of Stax Music Academy, University of Memphis, and with some of the best private instructors. They have also performed at several events and shows such as the CBS Multicultural Comedy Showcase in Los Angeles, CA, American Heart Association, Juneteenth, Africa In April, The Wolfchase Galleria, The Oakcourt Mall, Live@9, The Orpheum Star Search winner 2007, The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson, and the Mid-South Fair Youth Talent Show, where they were the 2007 Grand Prize Winners.
After playing with many great artists Jeremy “J Lue” Lewis adopted the name "J Lue and The Crew" catering to Weddings, Receptions, Parties, Corporate Events, Reunions, whatever the occasion, the smooth and soulful sounds of this dynamic Jazzy Neo-Soul group can appeal to everyone. With music covering a large range of genres, Oldies, R&B, Jazz, Pop/Rock to the current Hip-Hop Faves. Book J Lue and The Crew for your next event at jlueandthecrew@gmail.com
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