Ramsey Lewis

Ramsey Lewis
Lewis in 2009
Background information
Birth name	Ramsey Emmanuel Lewis Jr.
Born	(1935-05-27)May 27, 1935 Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
Died	September 12, 2022(2022-09-12) (aged 87) Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
Genres	Jazz jazz-funk pop
Occupation(s)	Composer pianist radio personality
Instrument	Piano
Years active	1955–2022
Labels	Cadet Columbia GRP Narada Concord Hidden Beach
Website	www.ramseylewis.com

Ramsey Emmanuel Lewis Jr. (May 27, 1935 – September 12, 2022) was an American jazz pianist, composer, and radio personality.^[1] Lewis recorded over 80 albums and received five gold records and three Grammy Awards in his career. His album The In Crowd earned Lewis critical praise and the 1965 Grammy Award for Best Jazz Performance. His best known singles include "The 'In' Crowd", "Wade in the Water", and "Sun Goddess". Until 2009, he was the host of the Ramsey Lewis Morning Show on the Chicago radio station WNUA.

Lewis was also active in musical education in Chicago. He founded the Ramsey Lewis Foundation, established the Ravinia's Jazz Mentor Program, and served on the board of trustees for the Merit School of Music and The Chicago High School for the Arts.