Ramsey Lewis is often referred to as “The Great performer.” Ramsey Emmanuel Lewis was born on May 27, 1935 in Chicago, Illinois. At the age of four, he began piano lessons. Meanwhile, in his home, he was being influenced by the music of Duke Ellington, Art Tatum, and Mead Mead Lux Lewis. It was apparent from childhood that Lewis was truly gifted in music. After graduating from the Edward Jenner Elementary School, Lewis received awards for his piano playing and an outstanding scholar award. He then studied with famed pianist, Dorothy Mendelsohn. Lewis then went on to attend the Chicago Music College where he intended to become a concert pianist. He dropped out, however, and married at the age of eighteen. He then went on to work at a local record store.
It was at this time when Lewis was approached by church musician, Wallace Burton, to join a jazz band. Lewis joined the band, which called themselves “The Cleffs.” This was his first true involvement with Jazz music. The group began to disband when member were drafted for the Korean War. The remaining members, Lewis (piano), Eldee Young (bass), and Redd Holt (drums) formed the Ramsey Lewis Trio.
The Ramsey Lewis Trio released their debut album, Ramsey Lewis and the Gentleman of Swing, soon after. In 1959, Lewis went on to perform at Randall’s Island Festival and the Birdland in New York City. In 1964, Lewis released the single, “Something You Got.” The single was a minor hit. In 1965, he was perceived to be the most successful jazz pianist in the United States.
Lewis truly hit stardom with his instrumental cover of Dobie Gray’s hit song, “The In Crowd.” The song peaked at number five on the U.S. charts and sold over one million copies. Lewis’ next single, “Hang on Sloopy,” peaked at number eleven. In 1966, he had a major hit with “Wade In The Water.” This single would become Lewis’s encore number at his concerts.
In the 1970s, Lewis did not do as commercially well as he had previously encountered. He did, however, organize the Ravinia Festival’s Jazz Mentor Program and became the Artistic Director for the Festival’s Jazz series.
In 2002, Lewis released Meant to Be, a collaborative album with him and Nancy Wilson. The duo then toured along with Larry Gray (bass) and Leon Joyce (drums). Lewis then became the president of the Ivory Pyramid; a recording studio and production company. When he is not recruiting you talent, Lewis hosts a Chicago-based morning radio show on WNUA. Also, his “legends of Jazz” radio show is syndicated in 60 different markets. Lewis also hosts the Cable station, BET’s, weekly show entitled “Jazz Central.” The show airs once a week.
Bio written by: iSound |
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