From his birth place of New York City, United States, he studied trumpet at the Eastman School of Music and the Juilliard School. He was an integral part of Blood, Sweat & Tears (1968 – 1973). The song „Spinning Wheel“ is his signature piece and 9 Golden records and 1 Grammy in 1969 his reward. He worked with many famous artists in various genres. Amongst them: Gil Evans – whom he calls his „musical goodfather“, Tony Bennett, Elvis Costello, Marianne Faithful, Aretha Franklin, Lou Reed, Frank Sinatra, Paul Simon and Barbra Streisand just to name a view – read more at: www.lewsoloff.com

He was among a handful of trumpeters capable of playing demanding lead trumpet parts while also contributing improvisational solos and of playing any music styles, which made him an in-demand session player for commercials and soundtracks (The Big Lebowski, Carlito’s Way, Meet Joe Black etc.). “I have the ability to play every one of my gigs as if it were my last.” he ones said. As true as I stand here –
he always did so! The sound of his playing fell silent on March 8, 2015 – He died at the age of 71 in New York – rest in peace dear friend.