The line of singers for Trans-Siberian Orchestra doesn’t get much time in the spotlight, but when it’s their turn to step up, they’re expected to shine.
James Lewis always did, as one of the bluesy, Joe Cocker-style vocalists for the massive arena-rock band.
Mr. Lewis, a Pittsburgh native, died on Monday of cancer at 63.
The singer had been living in The Yards apartment building in the Strip for the past eight years.
James, who was raised in Cranberry, graduated from Seneca Valley High School and left for New York City to pursue a rock career. He did commercials and jingles for G.I.Joe, Campbells soup, Chevy trucks and others while playing in the bands BlueHouse and ROY-G-BIV.
Lewis auditioned and became a member of the Trans-Siberian Orchestra in 2004, and was part of the East Coast ensemble that tours its holiday show each year. He appeared on the 2004 album “The Lost Christmas Eve” singing the blues-rock song “Christmas Night in Blue.”
A 2006 Post-Gazette review of a Mellon Arena show praised the grit he brought to the songs “Ornament” and “This Christmas Day.”
"We lost a member of our TSO family today. The great James Lewis,” singer Russell Allen wrote in a social media post. “I never had the pleasure of touring with him but we did meet on a few occasions and his amazing energy, charisma and humor was awesome! I was hoping we'd have a chance to tour together.
“I heard so many great things about him from my TSO band mates. But sadly he was not able to return. In the early years of my tenure with the band I was just 'filling in' for him on the songs he sang hoping he'd come back. I'll always think of myself as filling in for James.. and will keep giving all I got for as long as I got and try to do what he said to me when I got in the band. 'Congrats! Now don't f*** it up' haha He had an epic sense of humor. I loved that about him.. RIP brother.. you are loved by us all and will be missed."
Guitarist Chris Caffrey posted, in part, “Spent so many nights on the stage with James but also spent so many days and nights off the stage laughing and creating priceless memories. James first toured with us the year Daryl Pediford passed away. Daryl passed away during the weeks of rehearsal for the tour. James really helped me and the others to get through that difficult time with his energy, smile and infectious laugh.”
Country-rock band Kentucky Headhunters noted that Lewis sat in with them on multiple occasions and took part in Memphis Horn Tribute and Sonny Boy Blues Society events in the early ’90.
“James was a powerhouse vocalist, talented songwriter, charismatic stage-performer and a wonderful human being,” they noted.
Lewis performed with the TSO up until 2012. A flier at The Yards announcing his passing noted that he retired from the band due to illness.
It added, “His apartment was adorned with gold and platinum records from his involvement with TSO.”
According to a family obit, his dear fellow musicians and friends from the TSO visited him at Jefferson Hospital while his illness progressed.
The TSO post stated, “James Lewis was a tremendous talent whose luminous spirit always had a smile and a laugh for everyone around him. One only needs to hear his soulful voice on ‘Christmas Nights in Blue’ and any other song he tackled to see what Paul and so many others saw in him - every note and word he made his. We will miss him dearly. Rest in Peace, James - We love you.”
He is survived by his mother Audrey, sister Terri Acheson and brother-in-law Walt Acheson.
A memorial mass will be held at Our Lady of Fatima church, Hopewell, on at 10 a.m. June 2. Memorial contributions can be made in James's name to AHN Hospice, Warrendale office, 500 Commonwealth Dr., Warrendale Pa. 15086.
First Published: May 24, 2023, 4:06 p.m.
Updated: May 24, 2023, 5:28 p.m.