Joe E. Lewis (January 12, 1902 – June 4, 1971) was a legendary American comedian, singer, and nightclub entertainer whose real-life story of tragedy and resilience became the very foundation of his act. A popular singer in the 1920s, his career was nearly ended in 1927 when he was brutally attacked by mobsters, an assault that severely damaged his vocal cords. With a defiant spirit, Lewis recovered and reinvented himself, developing a trademark stage persona that blended a gravelly, talk-singing style with world-weary, cynical humor. His dramatic life and triumphant comeback were later immortalized in the 1957 film The Joker Is Wild, in which he was portrayed by Frank Sinatra.
Birthday
- January 12, 1902
Place of Birth
- New York City, U.S.
Also Known As
- Joey Lewis
