I first saw Lewis at the Recovery Room in Norfolk. It was the mid 80s and I’d just moved to the area from NC and lived across the street. He had a great presence in that small room and little did I know we’d both still be hanging out some 50 years later. Him still playing, me still shooting. Lewis graduated from William & Mary in the 70s with some idea about going to law school, he just couldn’t escape the music. After stints in Miami and New York’s Greenwich Village, Lewis settled back in tidewater where he’s played over 10,000 gigs, never mind the songs he’s written and recorded and all the people he’s taught guitar. He also married well, and he and Marsha raised four daughters, all of whom have played with dad. Lewis gained much experience touring with such artists as Ry Cooder, Neil Sedaka, and Al Stewart (Year of the Cat tour), and on the strength of his live shows, went on to perform with many national acts such as John Prine, Robert Palmer, Talking Heads, Christopher Cross, Bob Dylan, Marty Balin, Leo Kottke, Jesse Colin Young and Christine McVie. Lewis also completed a multi-city tour as an opening act for Bruce Hornsby. But the truth is, Lewis has always been a local. Our local. This is where he’s made his home and looking back - referring to all the love and support - says “why would I go anywhere else.”

Portfolio Magazine’s Musician Poll voted McGehee as the top acoustic act for three consecutive years and one year he was named “Best Musician”. In 2018 he won two Veer Music Awards for “EP of the Year” and “Best Acoustic Act” in Hampton Roads.  And in 2024 he received Veer Magazine’s Lifetime Achievement Award. Thanks for hanging around and blessing this area with your talent.