Dr. Lewis received the Lifetime Achievement award in gospel music in 2000, and was inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame in 2005. He was inducted into the Beaver County Music Hall of Fame in 2009.
Though Dr. Lewis co-founded the 300-voice Aliquippa Mass Choir, he also was the founder of numerous other choirs and ensembles throughout his career, most notably the Pittsburgh Community Choir, the Curtis Lewis and Friends Choir, and was director of the Pittsburgh Believers Convention Choir. His innovative workshops gathered pastors, music directors and aspiring psalmists who considered him a masterful musician, often referring to him as “legendary, iconic and genius.”
Dr. Sheila Hunt, First Lady at the First Baptist Church in Penn Hills, remarked, “He encouraged every musician.”
Dr. Lewis’ famous quotes, “Watch me…don’t anticipate me” and “Some songs are better caught than taught,” were remembered by audience members at the commemorative concert.
Musician and funeral director Elliott White said, “He wasn’t just renowned, but effective.”
Pastor Keith Moncrief graciously thanked Dr. Lewis’ five children and wife of 53 years, Billye Priscilla, for sharing their father and husband with Pittsburgh, Beaver County, and the country.
According to his obituary, in addition to Billye, Dr. Lewis leaves behind to cherish his memory children Carsetta (Danny) Lyles, Blake, Melva (D’Von Ricky) Massey, Curtis Eugene and Douglas, five grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews and godchildren.
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