Noted American keyboardist, a child prodigy who demonstrated extraordinary musical aptitude from a remarkably young age of six. Characterized by an intense passion for classical music, Ramsay Lewis pursued his formal education at the esteemed Chicago College of Music and De Paul University, with the ultimate aspiration of becoming a distinguished concert pianist. However, by the age of sixteen, his ambitions underwent a significant transformation as he abandoned his classical music aspirations to join the Clefs, a seven-piece jazz ensemble. This pivotal moment marked the commencement of a new chapter in his musical odyssey, as he would subsequently form the Ramsey Lewis Trio in 1956, alongside drummer Isaac 'Redd' Holt and bassist Eldee Young.
The trio's initial notable success was marked by the 1964 release of 'Something You Got', a song that would serve as a precursor to their future triumphs. However, it was their 1965 Grammy Award-winning instrumental rendition of Dobie Gray's 'The In-Crowd' that truly propelled them to greater heights of popularity, achieving an impressive peak position of number five on the U.S. charts, a remarkable feat that solidified their status as a rising force in the music industry.
Their subsequent release, 'Hang on Sloopy', also demonstrated their ability to craft songs that resonated with audiences, peaking at a respectable number eleven on the charts. Despite this success, the trio eventually disbanded, with Ramsay going on to reorganize and recruit new members to join him in his musical endeavors.
One of these new recruits was drummer Maurice White, who would later go on to achieve great success as a member of the iconic funk and R&B group Earth, Wind & Fire. Additionally, bassist Cleveland Eaton joined the reorganized trio, bringing his own unique skills and talents to the table.
The revamped trio, comprising talented individuals, continued to thrive in the music industry with the release of their Afro-American spiritual-inspired single, "Wade in the Water", and the Grammy Award-winning "Hold it Right There".
The departure of White in 1971 led to a significant shift in the group's dynamics, ultimately resulting in the creation of Lewis's iconic jazz album, "Sun Goddess", which was released by Columbia Records in 1974. This album showcased Lewis's versatility as a musician, as he experimented with various rhythms and genres.
Although Lewis's post-White era was marked by a decline in commercial success, he continued to produce and perform music. In the 1980s, he collaborated with renowned vocalist Nancy Wilson, further expanding his musical repertoire.
In addition to his musical pursuits, Lewis also ventured into radio hosting, where he presented jazz programs, sharing his passion for the genre with a wider audience.
Ramsay Lewis, a renowned jazz artist, was an integral part of the Urban Knights, a prestigious collective that flourished from 1995 to 1999, boasting an impressive roster of accomplished musicians, including the illustrious Grover Washington Jr. and the renowned Omar Hakim.
Throughout his remarkable and storied career, Lewis has persistently showcased his remarkable versatility and unwavering dedication to his craft, leaving an indelible and lasting impact on the world of jazz, cementing his position as a highly respected and accomplished artist.
