Professor Louie

Last updated
Professor (Aaron L. Hurwitz) Louie
Birth nameAaron L. Hurwitz
Born Peekskill, New York, U.S. [1]
Genres
  • Rock
  • Blues
  • Gospel
Occupation(s)
  • Musician
  • Songwriter
  • Vocalist
  • Record Producer
InstrumentsKeyboards, accordion, vocals
Years active1972–present

Aaron L. Hurwitz, known by the stage name Professor Louie, is an American singer-songwriter, musician, and record producer who is best known for producing three studio albums for The Band, as well as being the founder and producer for the Grammy nominated musical group, Professor Louie & The Crowmatix. He is the founder of Woodstock Records, which has released albums by New Riders of the Purple Sage, Rick Danko and Waydown Wailers, among others. He was inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame in New York Chapter in 2016. [2]

Music career

Hurwitz was given the name Professor Louie by Rick Danko of The Band. "While performing as a duo with Rick Danko on stage, Rick would start calling me Professor Louie, and it was really a great honor", said Louie in an interview with Accordion Americana, "Most people, especially those on the business end, knew me as Professor Louie. So I kept it". [3] Hurwitz joined up with The Band in 1990s, producing three of their studio albums, Jericho, High on the Hog, and Jubilation, [1] [4] as well as performing on and producing their hit song, Atlantic City. [5] [6]

Hurwitz has produced and performed with Graham Parker, Commander Cody, Guy Davis, and Buckwheat Zydeco, among others. [7] [8]

Nominated for five Grammy Awards, Professor Louie & the Crowmatix began as the backing band for The Band [9] but became successful on their own, touring internationally and recording fourteen studio albums. [10] [11] [12] The band is composed of Louie, Gary Burke, Marie Spinosa, Frank Campbell, and John Platania. Their album, Crowin' the Blues charted at #24 on the Australian Blues & Roots Airplay International Charts in 2017 [13] and Miles of Blues, was awarded, Best Album, by Radio Crystal Blue in 2019. [14]

Hurwitz is also the founder of Woodstock Records, which includes album releases by New Riders of the Purple Sage, Rick Danko, Garth Hudson, and Waydown Wailers, [15] among others.

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References

  1. 1 2 Robert Hicks: Professor Louie Takes Fans to Roots of American Music Daily Record, May 18, 2001
  2. ↑ "Blues Hall of Fame - Professor Louie". Blues Hall of Fame. Retrieved October 27, 2021.
  3. ↑ "Professor Louie and the Crowmatix". accordion America. August 2, 2015. Retrieved October 31, 2021.
  4. ↑ "Professor Louie will give hearing test this weekend". Cumberland Times News. March 18, 2010. Retrieved October 27, 2021.
  5. ↑ "Professor Louie". KZ 98.1 Radio. Retrieved October 27, 2021.
  6. ↑ "Professor "Louie" And The Crowmatrix: Flyin' High BY Dan McClenaghan". All About Jazz. September 16, 2002. Retrieved October 31, 2021.
  7. ↑ "Narrows' live streaming concert series features Professor Louie & The Crowmatix on March 5". Herald News. March 3, 2021. Retrieved October 31, 2021.
  8. ↑ "Professor Louie". Common Grounds on the Hikll. Retrieved October 31, 2021.
  9. ↑ Jim Catalano: Misses Bitches to Unveil Debut EP at Haunt The Ithaca, page M4 March 31, 2016
  10. ↑ "Grammy-nominated Common Ground alums Professor Louie and the Crowmatix to play in Westminster". Baltimore Sun. November 2, 2018. Retrieved October 27, 2021.
  11. ↑ "Professor Louie & the Chromatix". Roots Music Report. Retrieved October 27, 2021.
  12. ↑ "The Music of the Band". New Jersey Arts and Entertainment. August 20, 2021. Retrieved October 27, 2021.
  13. ↑ "Professor Louie & the Crowmatix #27". Australian Blues & Roots International Airplay Charts. February 21, 2017. Retrieved October 27, 2021.
  14. ↑ "Professor Louie & the Crowmatix #27". Radio crystal Blue. Retrieved October 27, 2021.
  15. ↑ "Hearing Aide: Waydown Wailers Backland Blues". NYS Music. July 21, 2018. Retrieved October 27, 2021.
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