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Ramsey LewisAmerican jazz icon, pianist, composer and radio host
Date of Birth: 27.05.1935
Country:  USA |
Content:
Biography of Ramsey Lewis
Ramsey Lewis, an icon of American jazz, is a pianist, composer, and radio host. Over his long career, Ramsey has recorded 80 albums, five of which have gone "gold," and has received three Grammy Awards. Ramsey Emmanuel Lewis Jr. was born on May 27, 1935, in Chicago, Illinois, to Ramsey Lewis Sr. and Pauline Lewis.
Early Life and Career
At the age of four, Ramsey began learning to play classical piano pieces by composers such as Bach, Beethoven, and Brahms. By the age of fifteen, he had formed his own jazz band called "The Cleffs." Later, he co-founded the group "Ramsey Lewis Trio" with drummer Isaac Holt and bassist Eldee Young. In 1956, the trio released their first album, "Ramsey Lewis and the Gentlemen of Swing."
For a long time, the "Ramsey Lewis Trio" exclusively played classical jazz music. However, after their hit "The In Crowd" in 1965, they transitioned to playing pop-jazz. The single reached fifth place on the US pop singles chart, while the album reached second place. In 1966, Holt and Young left the trio to form the "Young-Holt Trio." They were replaced by Cleveland Eaton and Maurice White, who was later replaced by Maurice Jennings in 1970.
By the end of the 1960s, Lewis had become one of the most successful jazz pianists of that time. His hits such as "The In Crowd," "Hang On Sloopy," and "Wade in the Water" reached the top of the charts.
Radio Career and Philanthropy
In the early 1990s, Ramsey was invited to host a program on local radio station WNUA. He hosted his own show, "Legends of Jazz," until May 22, 2009, when WNUA changed its format. The show featured recordings by George Duke, Herbie Hancock, Charlie Parker, Ella Fitzgerald, Kurt Elling, and Miles Davis. The show was listened to by residents of 60 cities across the United States.
In 2006, 13 episodes of "Legends of Jazz" were aired on television, featuring live performances by artists such as Larry Gray, Lonnie Smith, Joey DeFrancesco, Dave Brubeck, Kurt Elling, and Tony Bennett.
Ramsey Lewis also organized the "Jazz at Ravinia" festival and helped establish the "Ravinia's Jazz Mentor Program," which taught aspiring jazz performers. He is also a trustee of the Merit School of Music. In 2005, he founded the "Ramsey Lewis Foundation," which helps children from disadvantaged families find themselves through music. The foundation supports a children's choir and orchestra. Lewis is also an honorary member of the "Chicago Jazz Orchestra."
Current Life
Currently, Ramsey Lewis lives and works in Chicago. His large family includes seven children, fourteen grandchildren, and one great-grandchild.
