Ramsey Lewis, a well-known jazz pianist who won three Grammys throughout his 60-year career, passed away on Monday at 87.
According to his son, Bobby Lewis, his father died peacefully in his sleep at his Chicago home.
“Most people say when they met dad that he was a class act,” Bobby said. “He was that way even through his last breath.”
At the age of four, the Chicago native began taking piano lessons. He eventually created his jazz style based on his roots in classical and gospel music, which he performed in many Chicago venues that gave aspiring musicians their start.
“Ramsey’s passion for music was truly fueled by the love and dedication of his fans across the globe,” his wife, Janet Lewis, said on Facebook. “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.”
“I believe that my father — his love for the piano and his passion for the piano and how he coveted this love and how he protected it — gave him longevity,” Bobby Lewis said. “He recognized the gift God had given him.”
Lewis is survived by his wife Janet and son Bobby, daughters Denise Jeffries and Dawn Allain; two other sons, Kendall Kelly Lewis and Frayne Lewis; and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
