Born in Los Angeles in 1932, Henry Lewis would break racial barriers to become one of the most lauded conductors of his time. He was the first African American to lead a major American orchestra, and was invited to guest conduct the symphonies of nearly every great city around the globe. 

This online presentation accompanies the permanent exhibition on view at the Marilyn Horne Museum and Exhibit Center. Read more by simply clicking the links below.

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Born to be a Musician

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A Cultural Ambassador

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The Seventh Army

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Photo Gallery

Click each photo to enlarge.

Head shot of Henry Lewis with double bass, ca. 1951. Courtesy of Angela Lewis Houle

Henry Lewis with baton, ca. 1960. Music Center Archive/Otto Rothschild Collection

Henry Lewis meets members of the audience after a concert in Kaiserslautern, Germany, April 8, 1956. Official U.S. Army Photograph, Courtesy of Angela Lewis Houle

Henry Lewis conducting the Seventh Army Symphony Orchestra at the newly opened Liederhalle, Stuttgart, Germany, ca. 1956. Courtesy of Angela Lewis Houle

Newlyweds Henry Lewis and Marilyn Horne Henry Lewis, ca. 1960. Music Center Archive/Otto Rothschild Collection

. From left to right: Angela Lewis, Marilyn Horne, Henry Lewis, Christmas 1970. Courtesy of Angela Lewis Houle

From left to right: Rock Hudson, Henry Lewis, Jim Nabors, and Marilyn Horne back stage at the San Francisco opera, 1966. San Francisco Opera Archives. Collection of Marilyn Horne.

Portrait of Henry Lewis by James Benfield, date unknown. Inscription: “To my mother with all my love, Henry.” Courtesy of Angela Lewis Houle

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Educators are welcome to share this online exhibit in their classrooms. Please do not reproduce otherwise without permission from the museum.

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Title photo credits: 
Henry Lewis conducting, ca. 1960. Music Center Archive/Otto Rothschild Collection
Head shot of Henry Lewis, ca. 1960. Los Angeles Philharmonic Archives