THE STORY
“Don Lewis and the Live Electronic Orchestra” is an independently produced feature documentary about a pioneering multi-instrumentalist, vocalist and electronic engineer who utilized his genius to design and create sounds that have shaped the world’s musical landscape.
On November 6, 2022, Don Lewis passed away at home with his family in Pleasanton California, but his legacy will live on forever. In the 1970’s and 1980’s, Don Lewis gained iconic status throughout the San Francisco live music scene while performing with a revolutionary instrument of his own design – LEO (Live Electronic Orchestra)… an innovative cohesion of synthesizers and sound modules which proved to be a decade ahead of its time.
In addition to performing, Don worked as a sound designer/musician for the likes of Michael Jackson, Quincy Jones and the Beach Boys. But while his popularity continued to grow, the Musicians Union publicly protested his performances - claiming that Don Lewis was an enemy of the Musicians Union because of the technology he so passionately embraced; bringing an end to his “concert” career and the instrument he was so inextricably tied… THE LIVE ELECTRONIC ORCHESTRA.
In order to support his family, Don concentrated on an alternative career path, utilizing his skills as a concert artist, consultant, and sound designer for Yamaha and Roland: eventually contributing to the success of such groundbreaking music products as the Yamaha DX-7 synthesizer and the Roland TR-808 Rhythm Unit.
Fifteen years after Lewis left the limelight, and placed LEO (Live Electronic Orchestra) in storage, the two would be reunited and recognized for their historical contributions by NAMM’s Museum of Making Music in Carlsbad, CA where LEO is a showcased feature of the Museum’s extensive exhibit.
“DON LEWIS and the Live Electronic Orchestra” is the story of an American pioneer who battled technological and racial barriers, while achieving the type of creative fulfillment that helped to define music history.
DIRECTOR'S NOTE
Greetings to current, and future, DON LEWIS fans!
This 20-year journey in producing “DON LEWIS and The Live Electronic Orchestra” (formerly “The Ballad of Don Lewis”) has had its share of challenges - the kind of challenges that tend to redefine one’s perspective in so many ways. I’ve learned much about myself, not only as a filmmaker, but as a person; and none of it would have been possible without the loving trust and acceptance of Don and Julie Lewis.
There are so many “behind-the-scenes” stories in the making of this story; but I resist the temptation to share them, since they go well beyond the confines of this website. So, I’ll simply give a current update of our film’s status which is, “We are currently in a very good place”.
“DON LEWIS and the Live Electronic Orchestra” has its successful “National Broadcast Debut” on PBS, in February during BLACK HISTORY MONTH. I continue to recruit highly experienced individuals specializing in the field of documentary distribution, both domestically and in foreign markets. I’ve learned that producing a successful film is only half the battle; one must place equal emphasis on distribution in order in order to obtain a thorough global awareness.
Discovering DON LEWIS is a great experience, so pass it along that: a life without DON LEWIS is a life not fully lived. My goal with this film is to inspire others in a way that Don so successfully accomplished throughout his life.
With the film now completed, I am dedicating my time to recruiting corporations, institutions and philanthropic groups that are aligned with the positive and inspirational message of our film; people who not only understand the full impact of Don’s contributions to music and technology, but also have a strong commitment toward achieving racial equity throughout the workplace and beyond . Partnerships can be cultivated in a variety of ways: through Live Performances, Virtual Events, Special Screenings, or joining along as an sponsor with myself an PBS for an encore airing in 2024.
BE A PART OF MUSIC HISTORY
If you know of any organization that would be interested in becoming a Partner, please contact me, Ned Augustenborg, at augustenborg10@yahoo.com and I’ll be happy discuss a variety of tailored events and opportunities.
For now, thanks for visiting and supporting our commitment in sharing the great story of DON LEWIS!
Appreciatively,
Ned A.