About


This is what I do

Recent Work

In 2026, Lewis produced the jazz album May I Come In featuring singer Lisanne Lyons. Released on OA2 Records and available on all major streaming platforms, the project presents Lyons in richly crafted jazz orchestra arrangements written and produced by Lewis and performed by premier musicians from Miami and New York.

Featured soloists include:

  • Ed Calle — saxophone
  • Francisco Dimas — trumpet
  • John Hart — guitar
  • Billy Ross — flute
  • John Toomey — piano

The album ranges from the driving energy of "The Song Is You" to the lush lyricism of "This Is Always," highlighting both Lyons' expressive vocal artistry and Lewis's signature orchestral sophistication.

Critics praised the recording:

"Sparkling, scintillating jazz singing; no matter what she's performing, be prepared to hear it differently than it's usually played." — All Music Guide

"Blessed with a luminous, flutelike soprano… reminding us of the magic that can happen when the right singer, the right song and the right accompaniment fall into place." — The Washington Post

The recording affirms Lewis's continuing leadership in large-ensemble jazz arranging and high-level vocal production.

Clients

  • Rod Stewart
  • KC and the Sunshine Band
  • Crosby, Stills, and Nash
  • Bobby Caldwell
  • Jon Secada
  • The Ray Charles Orchestra
  • Bee Gees
  • Baha Men
  • Inner Circle
  • Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines
  • Celebrity Cruises
  • Norwegian Cruise Lines
  • Costa Cruises
  • Lionel Hampton
  • Warner Bros. Publishing
  • Kendor Publications
  • Kalmus Publications
  • Alfred Publications
  • Julio Iglesias
  • Harry Chapin
  • Paul Overstreet
  • Boca Symphonic Pops Orchestra
  • Palm Beach Pops Orchestra
  • Glenn Miller Orchestra
  • Barry Gibb
  • Dr. Hook
  • Tanya Tucker
  • Connie Francis
  • Englebert Humperdinck
  • Willie Nelson
  • FireFall
  • Bobby Blue Bland
  • Anita Ward
  • Chayanne
  • Darius Rucker (Hootie & the Blowfish)
  • Royal Olympic Cruises
  • Maureen McGovern
  • P. Diddy
  • Sandy Patty
  • Crystal Cruises
  • Joe Augustine/Youngstown Symphony
  • John Mellencamp
  • Cornelius Bros. and Sister Rose
  • Helen Reddy
  • Jose Feliciano
  • Millie Jackson
  • Monti Rock III
  • Osmond Bros.
  • Betty Wright
  • Kim Carnes
  • Frank Derrick Big Band
  • Nancy Reed
  • Duffy Jackson Big Band
  • South Florida Jazz Orchestra
  • Steve Alaimo
  • And many more (really!)

Playing Days

Although Mike stopped playing years ago, he enjoyed a very successful career performing with the following artists:

  • Frank Sinatra
  • Tony Bennett
  • Sammy Davis Jr.
  • Temptations
  • Supremes
  • Tom Jones
  • Johnny Mathis
  • 4 Tops
  • Debbie Reynolds
  • Judy Garland
  • Danny Thomas
  • Bobby Darin
  • Ray Charles
  • Sonny & Cher
  • Chuck Mangione
  • Burt Bacharach
  • Anthony Newley
  • Dionne Warwick
  • Petula Clark
  • Ann-Margaret
  • 5th Dimmension
  • Redd Foxx
  • Bobby Vinton
  • Shirley Bassey
  • Milton Berle
  • Dakota Staton
  • And dozens more!

Biography

Aug 23, 1938
Born in Danville, Virginia
1956-1960
Attended Florida State University as a Composition major
June 1960
Joined the Charlie Spivak Orchestra
Oct 1960-Oct 1963
Enlisted in US Army
First Army Band, Ft. Jay New York and 7th Army Band, Stuttgart, West Germany
Nov 1963-Jun 1964
Jimmy Dorsey Orchestra
Sep 1964-Jun 1965
Attended University of Miami, Music Education Degree
1968-1970
Arranger for the Jackie Gleason TV Show, Miami Beach
1965-1970
House orchestra, Deauville Hotell, Miami Beach
1970-present
Freelance Arranger, conductor, and producer