Kenneth Lewis

From his high-rise apartment downtown, with a view of the river and Belle Isle, Kenneth Lewis tells the story of his musical career in the city, how he remained connected to Detroit through the Vietnam War, and reflects on the city’s evolution through making collages and drawings of the places and people close to him.

Kenneth Lewis. These are collages I made out of old pictures of family and friends. I have all of my work laminated at Kinko's.

Kenneth Lewis. In the early 60’s I was in a singing group called the Four Gents.

Kenneth Lewis. We sang with WXYZ in Detroit and CKLW Windsor.

Kenneth Lewis. This is my company, the Delta Company 1/28^th infantry.

Kenneth Lewis. I made these after coming back from Vietnam.

Kenneth Lewis. These photos were taken after we lost one of our own.

Kenneth Lewis. While I was in the service, in Baumholder Germany in the late 60’s before I left for Vietnam, my sister sent me this newspaper from Detroit about the ’67 riots.

Kenneth Lewis. I kept it with me the whole time I was in the war and had it laminated when I got back home. I wasn’t in Detroit during these years, but my family kept me updated on what was happening.

Kenneth Lewis. These collages are of the Greektown casino expansion, when they build “big blue” I stood on Lafayette as the sun came up to document the progress on that building.

Kenneth Lewis. This was my next door neighbor's cat Socks. My neighbor was a Vietnam Vet too. I made this painting when my neighbor moved out because I missed the cat.