Ramsey Lewis was a groundbreaking jazz pianist and composer who seamlessly blended jazz with pop and R&B, captivating audiences for over six decades. Renowned for his hits like "The 'In' Crowd" and "Wade in the Water," he left an indelible mark on the music world and inspired generations of musicians.
Ramsey Lewis was an influential American jazz pianist, composer, and radio personality, who enjoyed a prolific career spanning over 60 years. Known for blending jazz with pop and R&B elements, Lewis brought jazz to mainstream audiences across the decades.
Born Ramsey Emmanuel Lewis Jr. on May 27, 1935, in Chicago, Illinois, Lewis began taking piano lessons at just four years old. He grew up in the Cabrini-Green housing projects and was encouraged musically by his father, a choir director. Lewis's early music education included classical piano studies with Dorothy Mendelsohn at the Chicago Musical College Preparatory School.
In 1956, Lewis formed the Ramsey Lewis Trio with bassist Eldee Young and drummer Isaac "Red" Holt and released their debut album, "Ramsey Lewis and his Gentle-men of Swing," on the Argo label of Chess Records. They gained notoriety in jazz clubs across Chicago and New York City. Lewis catapulted to fame with his major crossover pop hit "The 'In' Crowd" in 1965, which reached #5 on the Billboard Hot 100 and won a Grammy Award. Other hits included "Hang On Sloopy" and "Wade in the Water" in 1966, cementing his ability to integrate jazz with popular music.
Lewis's jazz piano style was marked by gospel, classical, and pop influences, distinguished by a warm tone and melodic improvisations. He cited Art Tatum, Erroll Garner, and Oscar Peterson among his influences, contributing to his accessible approach to jazz.
Lewis won three Grammy Awards (1965, 1966, 1973) and was honored with the National Endowment for the Arts Jazz Masters Award in 2007, further being inducted into the Downbeat Jazz Hall of Fame.
Aside from his performance career, Lewis hosted a popular morning radio show in Chicago from 1997 to 2009, and the PBS series "Legends of Jazz" in 2006. He also served as Artistic Director of Jazz at Ravinia Festival from 1992 to 2012. In his later years, Lewis continued performing and recording, releasing "VII" with Urban Knights in 2019. His memoir, "Gentleman of Jazz: A Life in Music," was published posthumously in 2023.
Lewis is celebrated as one of the 20th century's most successful jazz pianists, playing a pivotal role in popularizing jazz with mainstream audiences. He influenced generations of jazz and R&B musicians. Personally, Lewis was married three times and had seven children, actively supporting music education initiatives in Chicago.
Ramsey Lewis passed away on September 12, 2022, leaving behind an enduring legacy in music.
