 Born in Omaha Nebraska, at the age of seven years old, Merle Lewis began her first musical endeavor as a pianist. Merle was the top student and award winner under the direction of Ruskin Sanbourne, a world known pianist and composer. Merle toured Omaha in many musical recitals which included Joslyn Art Museum. Just out of high school, and at age seventeen, her first professional job as a vocalist was at the Mardi Gras Lounge in Omaha Nebraska, owned by Sonny Furmiture a former sax player from the famed Harry James Orchestra. She was backed by Roy Givens, Mel Corbino, and Sonny Furmiture. She also hosted along with Mel Corbino, Black On Black, a local Omaha TV show which featured the Steppen Stonz and many other great Omaha artists.
After several years of performing in the Omaha area, Merle pursued a career as an entertainer in the eastern states. She took on the stage name of Dianna St. Clair, suggested by her agent and manager Jerry Pace, owner of Aquarian Associates who booked and managed such artists as Phyllis Hyman, Wild Cherry and more. Merle toured a number of hotels and night clubs on the eastern states including the famed Holiday House in Pittsburgh PA. here she shared the same stage with such entertainers as Nancy Wilson, Lola Falona, Charo and many other famous groups. After giving birth to her one and only child Robert E. Lewis, Merle began working for Aquarian Associates as a groomer and consultant for all local artists managed by the agency. Ms. Lewis now resides in Omaha Nebraska working as a Career Specialist of Greater Omaha Workforce Development and would love to do some performing again in the Omaha area.
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