Jazz Legend Ramsey Lewis Dead at 87
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The Chicago-born jazz pianist worked with some of the '70s most iconic musicians.
Award-winning jazz pianist Ramsey Lewis has died. He was 87.
The news broke today after a representative announced the musician's passing via Facebook.
According to the official statement, the NEA Jazz Master "died peacefully at his home in Chicago" on the morning of Sept. 12.
The four-time nominated and three-time Grammy-winning musician may have been best known for his 1965 breakout hit, "The 'In' Crowd," but he also saw significant success with two other chart-toppers: "Hang on Sloopy” and “Wade in the Water.”
Lewis went to record with other jazz and R&B icons like Earth, Wind, & Fire–and later toured with the group's vocalist Philip Bailey. And in 1995, Lewis introduced the crossover supergroup: Urban Knights–which featured Grover Washington Jr., Earl Klugh, and Dave Koz.
“Ramsey’s passion for music was truly fueled by the love and dedication of his fans across the globe," his wife Janet Lewis said in the statement.
Janet continued: "He loved touring and meeting music lovers from so many cultures and walks of life. It was our family’s great pleasure to share Ramsey in this special way with all those who admired his God-given talents. We are forever grateful for your support.”
The official statement added: "Among his many honors were five honorary doctorate degrees and an NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Jazz Artist. 'The In Crowd' single was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame, and his personal memorabilia reside at the Smithsonian Institution. Lewis received a 2007 National Endowment for the Arts Jazz Master Award."
Most recently, Lewis and his wife produced a monthly 'Saturday Salon' livestream series–a project they began during the beginning of the pandemic–that inspired his forthcoming album, The Beatles Songbook: The Saturday Salon Series, Volume One, which is set to be released Nov. 11 by Steele Records.
"Ramsey also spent the last year of his life working on his memoir Gentleman of Jazz with his co-writer Aaron Cohen," per the statement. The book is reported to be released via Blackstone Publishing sometime in 2023.
Lewis was predeceased by two of his sons, Ramsey Lewis III and Kevyn Lewis, and is survived by his loving wife, two daughters, three sons, 17 grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to be made to The Jazz Foundation of America in Lewis' honor.
You can read the official statement in the embedded post above.
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