Ramsey Lewis, 1935 — 2022

Jazz pianist Ramsey Lewis died September 12th, at age 87. His lengthy career took off after a live recording of a 1964 performance at Washington DC’s Bohemian Caverns club was released in 1965. His jazz interpretation of “The ‘In’ Crowd” was a crossover hit, and won a Grammy award (he would win two more). He was accompanied by bassist Eldee Young and drummer Red Holt (they would later form Young-Holt Unlimited). Ramsey Lewis incorporated elements of blues and Gospel music in his playing, and was a major figure in the “Soul Jazz” movement.

More:

“Ramsey Lewis, Legendary Jazz Pianist Known for ‘The In Crowd,’ Dies at 87,” Michaela Zee, Variety

“Ramsey Lewis, NEA Jazz Master, Dies at 87,” DownBeat

“Ramsey Lewis, pianist with crossover hit “The ‘In’ Crowd,” dies at 87,” Matt Schudel, Washington Post

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Tags: Jazz, music, obituaries, Ramsey Lewis, Soul Jazz