Ramsey Lewis, the pop chart's favorite jazz pianist, dies at 87
The Grammy-winning Chicago pianist, composer and radio host died peacefully in his home on Monday morning.
Ramsey Lewis, a pianist who sustained connections between jazz and popular music at a time when those bonds often seemed fragile and imperiled, died on Monday in Chicago, his hometown. He was 87.
His death was announced by his manager, Brett Steele, who cited natural causes.
Throughout his career, Lewis was the embodiment of jazz crossover. His affinity for gospel and blues tunes melded seamlessly with easygoing, unfettered forays into the rock and soul standards of the 1960s — a transaction that yielded major dividends with a trio album recorded at Top 100 and rising as high as No. 5. The album spent 12 weeks in the top spot among best-selling R&B albums.
