On February 15, 1968, Henry Lewis made history by becoming the first African American to be appointed as the music director and conductor of a major American symphony orchestra—the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra (NJSO). At 36 years old, Lewis was selected over more than 150 candidates for this prestigious position. ?HISTORY

Born on October 16, 1932, in Los Angeles, California, Lewis exhibited musical talent early in life. He began studying piano at the age of five and later learned to play the clarinet and various string instruments. By 16, he joined the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra as a double-bassist, becoming the first African American instrumentalist in a major American symphony orchestra. After serving in the U.S. Army, where he conducted the Seventh Army Symphony Orchestra, Lewis returned to Los Angeles and, in 1961, became the assistant conductor of the Los Angeles Philharmonic.