Jazz pianist and Chicago legend Ramsey Lewis died on Monday at the age of 87. He led the Ramsey Lewis Trio with drummer Isaac “Red” Holt and bassist Eldee Young in the 1960’s. In 1966, the group won the Best Jazz Performance Grammy for The In Crowd, recorded live in Washington, DC. The title track reached #5 on the Hot 100 and #2 on the R&B chart in 1965.
I always forget to include Ramsey Lewis when I talk about my early jazz influences along with The Dave Brubeck Quartet and Vince Guaraldi. He was a giant in jazz education in the Chicago area, and hosted the weekly syndicated radio show Legends of Jazz. From the late ’90’s until 2009, he was the morning host on Jazz and New Age station WNUA in Chicago. He’ll be missed.
The Sound of One Hand Typing 
I thought about posting his song yesterday when I read the news but I hoped you would post a tribute. What a legend he was.
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If you had, I would have just chosen another of his songs. In fact, I might do a real tribute tomorrow for Five For Friday; any requests?
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I am fond of Wade in the Water and Brazilica, but you chose what you love. There are so many to chose from.
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Those are a couple that I would have chosen, anyway. 😃
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I look forward to your post.
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a sad loss for the jazz world
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It is. The elder statesmen are leaving us. We still have quite a few of the older guys around, though.
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