Biography of Bobby Lewis

Bobby Lewis dominated the R&B landscape in 1961, when "Tossin' and Turnin'" stayed atop the charts for an incredible 10 weeks. The Beltone single also topped the pop charts, and Lewis was briefly the biggest name on the scene. Born in Indianapolis, he grew up in an orphanage before being adopted by a Detroit family at age 12. He made his recording debut for Parrot as a 19-year-old in 1952. "Tossin' And Turnin'" was so big that Lewis rode its momentum for a second straight R&B and pop Top 10 single with "One Track Mind" that same year. But he then disappeared from the charts and pop/R&B scene. ~ Ron Wynn