Meade Lux Lewis
Pianist
Musician who gained recognition for composing the much-covered Honky Tonk Train Blues and for his boogie-woogie style.
His recording debut came in 1927 when he laid down Honky Tonk Train Blues for Paramount Records.
He often performed with Albert Ammons and Pete Johnson after meeting them at the historic 1938 From Spirituals to Swing concert at Carnegie Hall.
His family encouraged his musical development while he was young, and he often cited pianist Jimmy Yancey as his primary influence.
He was the pianist at Nick's Bar in the 1946 film It's a Wonderful Life starring James Stewart as George Bailey.