RecentMusic - Ramsey Lewis New Releases

Ramsey Lewis

Ramsey Lewis is a celebrated American jazz pianist and composer whose career spans over six decades, punctuated with the grace of a smooth, urbane sound that has captivated audiences worldwide. Born on May 27, 1935, in Chicago, Illinois, Lewis began taking piano lessons at the age of four. He emerged onto the jazz scene in the 1950s, initially gaining attention as part of the Ramsey Lewis Trio. Through the 1960s and beyond, Lewis's style evolved, manifesting a unique blend of jazz, pop, and rhythm and blues, which yielded him considerable success on the charts.

One of Ramsey Lewis's most significant commercial triumphs came with the release of "The In Crowd," a live recording from 1965 that became a defining moment in his career, earning him his first gold record. Over the years, Lewis maintained his status as a jazz icon with a prolific output of recordings that showcase his versatility and effortless mastery over the piano. Notable among his more recent works are "The Beatles Songbook" and "Songs from the Heart: Ramsey Plays Ramsey," the latter featuring his own compositions, further solidifying his reputation as a dexterous and heartfelt composer. Even within his expansive discography, compilations like "The Essential Ramsey Lewis" and "The Columbia Anthology (1972-1989)" offer listeners a comprehensive look at his evolution as an artist. With three Grammy Awards to his name and as the host of "Legends of Jazz," a nationally syndicated radio program, Ramsey Lewis continues to be a cherished figure in the annals of contemporary jazz.

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