Late last summer, my daughter told me that her friend’s dad is a "rock star." Well, I had to see for myself and sure enough, my daughter was right — Kenny Lee Lewis is both guitarist and bassist for the Steve Miller Band.
Interestingly, I've had numerous conversations with Kenny's wife, Diane, because our daughters attend the same middle school and are good friends. However, most of our talks were centered on our girls and teenage stuff. This past fall, the Lewis family was gracious enough to have my daughter over for Thanksgiving dinner and it was around that time I met Kenny.
As spring arrived, our girls started softball season. Because the Lewis' are supportive parents, they show up at every game, accompanied by their cute dog — arising another friendship: Sophie and my dog, Shorty. So, one day at a softball game, I had a thought and asked, “Kenny do you still like being in the limelight?” Kenny looked at me bewildered, not quite sure where I was headed (which was hitting him up for an exclusive interview for Blogcritics).
What I did know going into this interview is that Kenny and Diane are both in the music business, and more importantly, it is obvious that they are great at their most precious “gig,” raising two terrific daughters, who possess talent of their own.
This past weekend, on a beautiful afternoon here on the Central Coast of California, I arrived at the Lewis home with my daughter, dog, and notepad in tow. Lewis greeted me with his “cat that ate the canary” smirk and gift of storytelling –– and we sat outside and had a two-hour chat.
We discussed his lengthy music background, the music business in general as well as what really happens behind the scenes of a famous band. We briefly reminisced about some of the Steve Miller Band hits that I had listened to back when I was a teenager and young adult such as "Living In The USA," "The Joker," "Fly Like an Eagle," and others.
Article comments
1 - Glen Boyd
Great job on this Christine. Love the insider details about the payola surrounding Abracadabra, as well as the way this interview reveals the little seen family life of a big rock star.
You did good here. Hopefully we may see you slumming in our little music ghetto more often.
-Glen
2 - Christine
Glen, lol, but as you know, without great editors, certain articles won't "fly." If you know what I mean.
3 - Jordan Richardson
Hopefully we may see you slumming in our little music ghetto more often.
Agreed. Really nice job, Christine.
4 - Christine
Thanks Jordan, probably safer than politics. Now, did guys need check out that You Tube clip of Kenny's solo posted in the article? Bleepin' incredible!
5 - El Bicho
Lewis is a hippie, playing songs about "midnight tokers", and needs to be run out of town! The bums lost, Lebowski!
Just trying to make the comments seem more familiar to you.
Very nice and good to see you out in the field doing work.
6 - Christine
El, I am not quite following. I am assuming there is a joke in there somewhere. The Lewis family is terrific in many ways.
Out in the softball field you mean. lol
7 - El Bicho
I was reacting like a commentor in the Politics section. appears the joke didn't work
8 - Christine
EL, OK, I get it now; sometimes I am slow. I am glad to be over here in music; needed a break from politics. They are brutal over there!
9 - Kenny Lewis
Props to Jeff Bridges (The Big Lebowski) and to all who can make a bitchin' living with long hair and a beard!
10 - Christine
lol, Kenny, and thanks for stopping by.
11 - Christine
And for taking the time to do this interview! See ya at softball practice today, if it stops raining.
12 - Kenny Lewis
I am in Indiana today. Call Diane to remind her about practice. I am here playing for the NCAA Final Four countdown celebration with The Joker.
13 - John and Joline O'Neil
Awesome! I just happened to type in Kenny Lee's name and was so surpirsed to see all this about Kenny and Diane. Back in the mid - '80's ('84 - '86), I had one of the first personal video cameras (removable tape deck from your VCR hanging from a strap, a 30 pound lead acid battery on your belt, and the actual camera attached cabled which sets on your shoulder (like the news guys (got in everywhere (I had a fake "press" card in my hat))). Kenny and Diane had joined up with a San Fernando Valley group that we went around with for like 18 years, all over So Cal. The group, The Roommates, were fabulous! All the best clubs, hotels, Queen Mary, Disney... Kenny Lee and Diane came in, in 1984 at a little club, Stevie G's in Studio City, where Joline and I met them with Rusty Buchanon, Linda Lolley and Jerry Donahue (the original Roommates! It was FUN!!! I must have taped 20 hours on VHS, setting up lamps and spotlights all over the stages. I am just now transferring those 25 year old tapes to CD (don't want to rush anything). The 1985 New Years bash out in Sherman Oaks was just PHENOMENAL! And Kenny, Diane and group opened a new club in October, 1986, out in Simi Valley called the Country Club. I got great footage on that one. They were fabulous, not to mention that sheeny red jumpsuit that Diane wore. I will look up more on this great couple. I am delighted that they came full circle and success and family came their way.
John O'Neil, Burbank Media District
14 - Christine
Very cool, John.