Noted guitarist and songwriter, known for his work with several bands, including the blues-rock group Moby Grape. His guitar playing and songwriting skills have been praised by critics and fans alike.
Bob Lewis is best known as the co-founder of the iconic new wave band Devo, along with Gerald Casale. He is also the mastermind behind the concept of deevolution, a theme that challenged the conventional notions of evolution and progression.
Born on March 4, 1947, in Akron, Ohio, Lewis grew up with a passion for music and poetry. He attended Cuyahoga Falls High School, where he briefly played basketball under the guidance of the legendary coach Bobby Knight. As a National Merit Scholar, Lewis earned a place at Kent State University, where he became the first student to graduate with a major in anthropology.
Lewis' poetry studies at Kent State University introduced him to the works of renowned poets such as Ed Dorn, Eric Mottram, and Robert Bertholf. These influences shaped his thoughts on deevolution, a concept that questioned the idea of human progress and instead proposed a decline into chaos. This concept would later become the foundation of Devo's music and artistic direction.
In 1970, Lewis and Casale began working on the concept of deevolution in response to the Kent State shootings. They wrote seminal tracts on the subject for the LA Staff, a now-defunct publication. In 1971, they recorded three proto-Devo songs - "I Been Refused," "I Need a Chick," and "Auto Modown" - on primitive recording equipment located above Guido's Pizza Shop in Kent, Ohio.
In 1973, Lewis, Casale, and Mark Mothersbaugh formed Devo, with Bob Mothersbaugh joining later as the band's lead guitarist. Recommendations from David Bowie and Iggy Pop helped Devo secure a recording contract with Warner Bros. Records. As the band's popularity grew, Lewis' contributions to the concept of deevolution and the band's early development became increasingly recognized.
In 1978, Lewis sought accreditation and compensation for his contributions to Devo, but the band refused to negotiate. This led to a legal battle, with the band suing Lewis in Los Angeles County Superior Court, seeking a declaratory judgment stating that Lewis had no rights to the name or theory of deevolution. Lewis counter-sued in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Ohio, alleging theft of intellectual property.
Despite the controversies surrounding his involvement with Devo, Bob Lewis' contributions to the band's early development and the concept of deevolution remain undeniable. His work continues to influence contemporary music and art, inspiring new generations of creatives to challenge conventional norms and explore the boundaries of artistic expression.
Through his work with Devo and his pioneering concept of deevolution, Bob Lewis has left an indelible mark on the music and art world, cementing his place as a true innovator and visionary.
Bob Lewis' groundbreaking work with Devo continues to inspire and influence artists, musicians, and thinkers around the world, ensuring his legacy as a true pioneer of alternative music and art.
81 Years Old
A highly influential blues and rock musician, known for his mastery of the electric guitar and hits like "Layla" and "Wonderful Tonight".
Born in 1925
A legendary blues musician renowned for his soulful voice, masterful guitar playing, and iconic hits like "The Thrill Is Gone." He's the embodiment of blues music, inspiring countless artists across genres.
71 Years Old
A highly influential blues-rock guitarist and singer, known for his intense and passionate live performances, and iconic hits like "Pride and Joy" and "Texas Flood".
