A Burton bus driver is celebrating his musical career moving up a gear after signing a record deal with an American record label.

Former Burton Mail community champion award winner Colin Lewis will release a single on August 1, with an album on Six Big Feet Records following in September.

His popularity across the pond means his single, Graceland, has been getting plenty of airplay by International Radio New York over the past few weeks.

With success in America growing, the former Midland Classic bus driver, from Winshill, is getting ready to pack his bags and head to the Big Apple to play dates there in October.

His songs range from rock 'n' roll to country and folk, following in the steps of greats such as The Beatles and Adele, who are both big influences.

Colin will be releasing an album

His interest in music started at the age of seven. Lewis taught himself to play not only guitar, but also piano and drums.

Through listening to his dad's record collection from the 60s and 70s rock 'n' roll, he grew up listening to the likes of John Lennon and Buddy Holly.

He quickly discovered a musical talent that is now stronger than ever, 37 years on, he says.

He said: "I was actually offered a record deal a few years back but I didn't think I would be able to produce a whole album.

"I've done it now and couldn't be happier. My new album is called This Is Personal and so all of the songs are about important things that have happened in my life.

"I can't believe I've signed a deal in New York - I've even got some tour dates later in the year!"

His popularity has grown over the years, now gaining thousands of views of his music online, and attracting the likes of superstar singer-songwriter Alicia Keys and Michael Jackson’s producer, Quincy Jones.

But while Lewis is gaining success in the music industry, he maintains his day job as a bus driver now working for Heanor-based Your Bus.

His journey hasn’t been easy though, and this can be reflected in the new material being released over the summer.

Titled This Is Personal, he says the new album is "very Adele", in that "it is all about things that have happened in my life".

By bouncing back with new music and gaining awards such as Best Pop Folk from the American Radio Airplay in Los Angeles, he is doing well.

He will be releasing a single before he leaves for the US, and any fans can pick it up on iTunes in the coming months.

He will also appear in The Beatles Cavern Club International Festival next year, not forgetting his imminent trip to the Big Apple.

In the meantime though, look out for him on the buses around Burton and Derbyshire.

Singing bus driver Colin Lewis is popular in America
Singing bus driver Colin Lewis is popular in America

Could these 10 songs make Colin's next album?

Magic Bus – The Who

Bus Stop – The Hollies

Bus Driver – Muddy Waters

The Wheels on the Bus – Wendy Wiseman

Get me on the Bus – Destiny’s Child and Timberland

Mark on the Bus – Beastie Boys

There is a Light That Never Goes Out – The Smiths

Kiss Me on the Bus – The Replacements

Double Dutch Bus – Frankie Smith

National Express – The Divine Express