Johnny Lewis

Louis John Loiacono, born in 1925, was the youngest of 10 children of Sicilian immigrants Frencesco and Francesca. The Loiacono family settled in Rochester, New York to raise their children.

At the age of 17 he joined the Navy in WWII. After the military he started the Johnny Lewis Trio and for the next 20 years played around the country performing on the Tonight Show, Pier 66 in Ft. Lauderdale, Lake Tahoe Harrah’s and the Sands in Las Vegas. He fronted many stars such as Sarah Vaughn, Lenny Bruce, Dick Gregory, Victor Borge, Homer & Jethro, and many more.

Johnny and his trio recorded several hits including Night Train, Millie’s Riff, and Blues on the Rocks for the Decca, Coral, Columbia and Capitol labels.

In 1962 the Johnny Lewis Trio performed during the Seattle World’s Fair and then at the Tyee Motor Inn for two years. He decided to settle in Thurston County and purchased the Lacey Music Center in 1966 which later on became Music 6000. Johnny met and married Ruth Stubbs along with her four children whom he adopted.

He was very active in the community and some of his accomplishments were playing for 5 Washington gubernational inaugural balls and ten served as president of the Lacey Chamber of Commerce, Thurston County Cancer Association, Sons of Italy, Navy League, co-founder of Lacey Days, and a longtime Lacey Rotarian.

Johnny leaves behind his beloved wife Ruth and adored children, sons Jeff and Steve (Sandy), daughters Tracy Mitchell (Jerry) and Dana Clark (Bob), grandchildren David, Sarah, Erik, Shannon, Casey and great granddaughter Kaylin.

Services will be at Saint Michael Catholic Church in Olympia, Washington on Saturday, March 22, 2014 at 11:00 a.m., with a visitation beginning one hour prior.

In lieu of flowers please send donations to the 501 (3) © Loiacono Music Education Fund at POB 12986 Olympia, WA 98508.