Singer Laurie Beebe Lewis has had an amazing career, going back more than five decades. Notably she performed with teen rock sensations, Pitche Blende, in the 1960’s before going on to join such legendary groups as The Buckinghams and The Mamas and The Papas and becoming a mainstay of Southern California’s music community in the process. Currently she performs backed by acclaimed group, The Electric Underground. On April 4, celebrating her life in music, Lewis will be inducted into The California Music Entertainment Hall of Fame in a ceremony being held at the Saban Theatre in Beverly Hills.
Other inductees in The California Music Entertainment Hall of Fame’s class of 2026 include singer Jeffrey Osborne, Earth Wind & Fire bassist Verdine White, legendary DJ Shotgun Tom Kelly, 70’s soul trio The Honey Cone, “Together” hitmakers Tierra, 1960’s icons Cannibal & The Headhunters, and John Townsend of the Sanford Townsend Band and “Smoke From A Distant Fire” fame.
“The induction into the California Music Entertainment Hall of Fame was completely off my radar—honestly, it came as a total surprise!,” said Lewis. “I got the news that I’d been selected and it hit me like, “Wait, really? Me?” I’ve always been pretty laid-back about awards and recognition—never chased them—so this felt especially meaningful because it wasn’t something I was expecting or campaigning for. It was just a beautiful, unexpected acknowledgment of the 55+ years I’ve poured into singing, touring, and being part of this incredible California music scene. So yeah, it’s a huge honor and a wonderful shock. I’m still wrapping my head around it, but mostly I’m just grateful to the folks behind the Hall of Fame for seeing the journey and wanting to celebrate it. Can’t wait for April 4th at the Saban Theatre—it’s going to be magical!”
She notes that she has previously been part of a Hall of Fame production. “A couple of years back, I had the fun gig of singing backups for the California Music Hall of Fame event with Cannibal and the Headhunters, helping honor all the inductees that night. Maybe that’s when someone noticed me or my work stuck with them—who knows? I wasn’t thinking about it at all; I was just there to support and enjoy the music.”
Lewis will be performing at this year’s ceremony. “I’m so excited (and a little nervous!) about it,” she said. “I’ll be singing “Baby It’s You”, which feels like a perfect choice for the night—it’s a song that’s always held a special place in my heart, with that classic soulful vibe from my earlier days and the energy that still gets everyone moving.”
How does it feel to win such an award alongside her peers? “I’m still kind of in shock, honestly—it’s sinking in slowly!,” Lewis said. “I’ve never really won awards for my singing or my music career before, and I’ve always been pretty laid-back about that kind of recognition. I look around at so many incredibly talented musician friends who’ve poured their hearts into this industry, grinding for years, and I think, ‘What makes what I’ve done stand out?,” she remarked.
“But then I step back and realize this induction into the California Music Entertainment Hall of Fame is really a beautiful acknowledgment of the journey itself—over 55 years of singing, touring, recording, and just showing up for the music,” Lewis continued. “From those early days in Michigan as a teenager in Pitche Blende, to those magical years fronting The Mamas & The Papas alongside John Phillips, Denny Doherty, and Spanky… it’s all added up to something meaningful. So, it feels deeply humbling and profoundly grateful.” She considers that the award “is not just about me—it’s a celebration of everyone who’s supported me, believed in me, and shared stages and studios with me along the way,” Lewis said. “I’m honored beyond words, and it makes me want to keep creating and performing even more. Late is better than never, right? I’m just thrilled to be part of this legacy that celebrates California’s incredible music history.”
Looking back, what is she proudest of? “It’s the sheer longevity and the relationships I’ve built along the way—over 55 years of showing up, singing, and staying true to the music that moves me,” Lewis remarked. “It’s not about any one big hit or moment for me. I’m proud that I’ve been able to keep creating, performing, and collaborating with so many talented people who believed in what we were doing. I’m most proud of the resilience—weathering the ups and downs of the industry, raising a family, and still loving every time I step on stage or into the studio. The fact that the music has connected with people for decades, brought joy, and now earned this Hall of Fame recognition… that feels like the real payoff. It’s a testament to just keeping at it with heart and gratitude.”
Laurie Beebe Lewis & The Electric Underground perform at The Barn in Ramona on May 17
