The official website of the legendary Warren Lewis, The Fire Barber.
The Legendary Warren Lewis
The Fire Barber
The Legendary Warren Lewis
The Fire Barber
The official website of the legendary Warren Lewis, The Fire Barber.
The Fire Barber
The Fire Barber
Warren Lewis, the man known as "The Fire Barber," was born in Louisville, Mississippi, on November 12, 1932, into a family that exemplified hard work, perseverance, and resilience. His parents, Lemon Lewis and Jennie Mae Carter were dedicated sharecroppers who toiled tirelessly to provide for their large family. Despite their challenges, they harvested an impressive 40 to 50 bales of cotton each year, earning a meager $120 annually.
Warren was one of seventeen siblings, raised in a modest two-bedroom home on a vast expanse of farmland that spanned 100 acres. Born into a large family, he learned the values of community, sharing, and determination from an early age. As one of the younger members of this close-knit family, he absorbed the wisdom and work ethic of his parents and older siblings.
From early childhood, Warren often found himself in the kitchen, where his mother, Jennie Mae, taught him the art of cooking. On those Sunday mornings, chicken frequently graced the menu, and before preparing it for dinner, Warren developed his distinctive method of using fire to remove the feathers from the bird. This was the beginning of what would later become his signature technique.
Warren's passion for serving others and ensuring they felt acknowledged, listened to, and loved was evident from a young age. By the tender age of four, he had already mastered the art of combing and styling his mother's hair and perfecting his father's fade with tweezers. His unique nickname, "The Fire Barber," perfectly encapsulated his unwavering commitment to these two vocations, seamlessly weaving them into the fabric of his life.
In 1951, before embarking on his journey to Memphis, Tennessee, Warren prayed an entire night, seeking divine guidance. He prayed to God, asking if it was permissible for him to make a move to Memphis, adding, "I know of some people who reside at 726 Marble Street." Upon arriving in Memphis, Warren found himself residing in a cramped two-room abode, sharing the space with ten other individuals. He possessed nothing more than the clothes on his back.
After a period away, Warren returned to his hometown of Louisville, Mississippi. There, he entered into matrimony. Shortly afterward, he and his spouse moved to Memphis, Tennessee, embarking on a fresh chapter in their lives and commencing the journey of building a family together. In 1954, they welcomed their firstborn, a son; the following year, 1955, their daughter came into the world.
During a brief period, Warren worked at Scruggs Electric Company, where he had an unexpected encounter with a young Elvis Presley. This happened while he was installing a light bulb in Elvis's apartment near Audubon Park in Memphis.
Though cutting hair would eventually become his calling, Warren didn't initially possess the technique or skills of a barber. However, he was determined. When asked if he knew how to cut hair by a barbershop owner, he confidently replied in the affirmative, despite having never cut hair outside of tweezing his father's fade. Warren encountered numerous setbacks on his path to becoming a proficient barber. After three years of cutting hair, he decided to further hone his craft by enrolling in Molar Barber College. His dedication paid off, as he became so skilled that he was eventually invited to serve as an instructor in the field.
In 1960, Warren founded Warren's (Original Hair Styles) Barber and Beauty Shop at 1208 Thomas Street. Later, he relocated to a spacious 16-chair establishment at 887 Thomas Street. This larger space also accommodated Lewis Realty Company. The iconic shop sign still stands, proudly preserving his legacy.
Warren Lewis became a Pentecostal Temple Church of God In Christ member, joining as member number 124 in 1962. He contributed to the church by frequently playing the drums during services. While he devoted himself to serving the Lord, his commitment to community service remained unwavering. Warren continued to be a dedicated member of the church throughout his life, up until his passing, demonstrating his enduring faith and commitment to his spiritual and local communities. In 1965, Warren Lewis was blessed with the arrival of his third child, a son.
In the North Memphis community, his establishment transcended its identity as a conventional barbershop, evolving into a cornerstone of the community. It was a place where enduring friendships blossomed, stories were freely shared, and lives underwent subtle transformations through a single haircut. Handling a remarkable fifty clients daily, charging a mere 50 cents each, Warren's expertise with scissors and clippers was unparalleled, matched only by his extraordinary knack for making each and every client feel as if they were an integral part of his extended family. This daily endeavor earned him a total of twenty-five dollars, a testament to his dedication and skill.
Through the years, Warren not only solidified his standing as a master barber and astute businessman but also emerged as a prominent community activist and civic leader. Following the tragic assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in Memphis in 1968, Warren, alongside his longtime friend, the late great Issac Hayes, founded the Black Knights. After witnessing the heartbreak and despair in their North Memphis community, Warren and the Black Knights harnessed their influence to inspire courage, independence, hope, and faith among the people while addressing the community's pressing needs.
Their mission was grounded in the fundamental principles of building a more vibrant community, facilitating the placement of individuals in jobs that matched their qualifications, advancing community development, nurturing a sense of pride and ownership, and kindling enthusiasm for diverse fields like art, science, music, poetry, history, and business. Additionally, they were staunch advocates for educational, political, economic, and social progress within the Black community. Their overarching aim was to cultivate hope and equip individuals with the tools to overcome actual and perceived challenges. The Black Knights experienced substantial growth, amassing a membership of over 1800 individuals stretching from Memphis, Tennessee, to Chattanooga, Tennessee.
Throughout the 1970s and 80s, Warren steadfastly dedicated himself to improving his community. He established an Emergency Assistance Fund through the Black Knights, offering a lifeline to those who could not help themselves. Additionally, he pioneered a summer youth employment program in North Memphis, allowing young people to thrive, earn a living, and contribute to their community.
In addition to his community-driven efforts, Warren also ventured into the realm of politics by running for various positions, including County Court Commissioner, Shelby County Court Vacancy, and the Tennessee House of Representatives. His political aspirations reflected his commitment to public service and his desire to make a meaningful impact on his community through governance and leadership.
Mr. Lewis garnered numerous accolades for his philanthropic initiatives, receiving recognition from esteemed bodies such as the Tennessee House Representatives and the City of Memphis, amassing countless well-deserved honors.
Warren Lewis, The Fire Barber, was not just a barber; he was a legend in the realm of style and artistry. For countless years, his barbershop in the heart of North Memphis became the epicenter of creative energy and a hub for famous musicians, artists, and the local community.
Warren's clientele was a who's who of the music world, and many renowned artists from Stax Records were regular visitors. As you walked into his shop at any given moment, you might find him showcasing his mesmerizing fire-cutting technique while the iconic theme song from the movie "Shaft" played in the background. Standing tall in his white barber coat, Warren held tapered candles in one hand and matches in the other, crafting not just haircuts but works of art.
It wasn't just about the famous faces that graced his shop, but the stories and connections formed there that defined Warren's legacy. He didn't just cut hair; he shaped lives and left a lasting impression on all who were fortunate enough to enter his shop.
The community of North Memphis was his muse and his source of daily inspiration. Warren's barbershop was more than just a place to get a trim; it was a cultural oasis. It was a space where local talents could connect, share stories, and create a sense of togetherness. The conversations, laughter, and the exchange of ideas made his shop a cherished meeting place.
His unshakable commitment to uplifting the community reached a significant milestone in the 1990s with the establishment of "Warrenstown." Despite encountering obstacles, including loan rejections, he persevered and erected an impressive two-story complex at 887 Thomas Street. This complex housed his barber and beauty shop and featured a restaurant, a consulting firm, a finishing school, and an office for the Greater Community Corps. In 1994, the community paid tribute to his remarkable achievements by electing him as the symbolic Mayor of Warrenstown, celebrating his extraordinary contributions to their neighborhood.
In 1995, Warren's distinctive and unique fire-burning technique, where he showcased his method of sculpting hair using a tapered burning candle, earned him national recognition as he was featured on both "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno" and "The David Letterman Show." His talents and skills captivated audiences far and wide.
In 2003, as a profoundly fitting tribute to his extraordinary contributions to the community, the area encompassing the iconic Warren's Barber and Beauty Shop sign was officially renamed Warren Lewis Street in his honor. This act ensured that his name and the indelible impact he left on the community would be forever etched in the collective memory and celebrated for generations to come.
International acclaim followed in 2004 when a Japanese film crew traveled to Memphis to create a documentary about Mr. Lewis. His artistry and expertise transcended borders, capturing the attention of a global audience. In 2007, he was invited to Tokyo, Japan, where he demonstrated his renowned patented hair-burning technique on a Japanese television program, further solidifying his status as a world-renowned figure in the field of hair styling and innovation. This additional exposure and recognition further cemented his status as "The Fire Barber."
Warren has etched his name as a true Memphis legend, with his extraordinary journey chronicled in newspaper and magazine articles, spanning from The Commercial Appeal to LA Weekly. His story was a recurring feature on local news stations, making him a household name.
Warren Lewis, The Fire Barber, left a lasting impact not only on his community but also in the broader world of art and entertainment. His legacy reached new heights in 2022 when renowned Memphian Katori Hall, a celebrated playwright and filmmaker, paid
homage to him in the second season of her critically acclaimed Starz series, "P-Valley," in episode 206.
Warren's zest for life was contagious, and his charismatic personality left an indelible mark on everyone he encountered. His laughter was a wellspring of joy for all who had the pleasure of knowing him. With a heart of gold, he was ever ready to extend a helping hand to those in need. The memory of his kindness, generosity, and warm spirit will be cherished by many for years to come.
Over the course of his remarkable 90 years, Mr. Lewis received numerous accolades and honors. Yet, his most significant and cherished achievement was being a loving father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, and friend to those fortunate to have him in their lives. His enduring legacy is one of family, friendship, and the immeasurable love and care he shared with those closest to him.
Mr. Lewis, a master barber, dedicated an astounding 73 years of his life to his craft, and he remained actively engaged in cutting hair until just three weeks before his passing. His unwavering commitment and passion for his work remained a defining aspect of his life until the end. He was a beacon of positivity, a source of inspiration, and a beloved figure in the hearts of many. He will be sorely missed but forever live on in the stories, smiles, and haircuts he shared with the world.
His memory lives on in the hearts of a multitude of nephews, nieces, and a vast community of friends and loved ones who will forever cherish him for his wisdom, courage, tenacity, generous spirit, unwavering commitment to community activism, his groundbreaking fire-cutting technique, and his deep affection for the people and the city of Memphis. Warren Lewis completed his journey on October 8, 2023, at the age of 90, leaving behind a rich legacy of love, community, and accomplishment.
A film by Simon Emmett
Warren Lewis on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno in 1995, demonstrating his famous fire-cutting technique.
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