Ramsey Lewis

Ramsey Lewis
Lewis in 2009
Lewis in 2009
Background information
Birth nameRamsey Emmanuel Lewis Jr.
Born(1935-05-27)May 27, 1935
Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
DiedSeptember 12, 2022(2022-09-12) (aged 87)
Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
Genres
Occupations
  • Composer
  • pianist
  • radio personality
Instrument
  • Piano
Years active1955–2022
Labels
Websitewww.ramseylewis.com

Ramsey Emmanuel Lewis Jr. (May 27, 1935 – September 12, 2022) was an American jazz pianist, composer, and radio personality.[1] Lewis recorded over 80 albums and received five gold records and three Grammy Awards in his career. His album The In Crowd earned Lewis critical praise and the 1965 Grammy Award for Best Jazz Performance. His best known singles include "The 'In' Crowd", "Wade in the Water", and "Sun Goddess". Until 2009, he was the host of the Ramsey Lewis Morning Show on the Chicago radio station WNUA.

Lewis was also active in musical education in Chicago. He founded the Ramsey Lewis Foundation, established the Ravinia's Jazz Mentor Program, and served on the board of trustees for the Merit School of Music and The Chicago High School for the Arts.

  1. ^ Cite error: The named reference Larkin was invoked but never defined (see the help page).