Legendary Jazz Pianist Ramsey Lewis Dies at 87
LONG BEACH, CA - AUGUST 13: Ramsey Lewis performs at the Long Beach Jazz Festival at Rainbow Lagoon Park on August 13, 2017 in Long Beach, California. (Photo by Earl Gibson III/Getty Images)

Legendary Jazz Pianist Ramsey Lewis Dies at 87

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.

After touring with other greats such as Aretha Franklin, Tony Bennett, Al Jarreau, and Pat Metheney, he performed at the 1995 state dinner hosted by then-President Bill Clinton for Brazilian President Fernando Henrique Cardoso.
Lewis was named a Jazz Master by the National Endowment for the Arts in 2007 after receiving seven gold records and three Grammys.
“I just know that when I put my hands on the piano, it’s going to flow,” Lewis said in a 2011 interview.
His later works include an eight-movement piece for Chicago’s Joffrey Ballet.
Lewis also hosted radio and television programs about jazz musicians and rising talents in the 1990s and early 2000s, such as the weekly public television program “Legends of Jazz with Ramsey Lewis.”
Additionally, he devoted time to music charities.

“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.”

According to Brett Steele, Lewis’ longtime representative, Lewis spent the last year of his life completing his memoirs.

“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.

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