Just the introduction of this book alone will tell you a lot about Ramsey Lewis. But definitely don’t stop there. Lewis knew and loved so many sources of musical inspiration in his life, people like “Fatha” Hines, Thomas Dorsey and Wallace Burton.

Ramsey was classically trained, as well as brought up in the arms of jazz, bebop and gospel. He was a consummate musican who loved playing. He speaks of his grand piano as his other love, besides his family.

It wasn’t just other musicians who influenced Lewis. Sid McCoy and Daddy-O Daylie were radio personalities who today would be called “influencers.” They brought the Clefs and Ramsey to the Chicago population.

I could go on, but perhaps it suffices to say this. You’ll learn a lot, not only about the life of Ramsey Lewis Jr., but also about jazz history, studio recording, struggle and triumph, and mid-century African American culture in Chicago.

Ramsey Lewis is a legend in the music industry whose discography contains more than 80 albums released under his name or including him as a featured musician. As an American jazz pianist, composer, and radio personality his work has deeply influenced the music industry as well as specific artists such as Earth, Wind & Fire, Maurice White, and more. Ramsey Lewis is one of only two Chicago musicians who have received the Jazz Master title from the National Endowment for the Arts next to his peer, saxophonist Von Freeman.

In Gentleman of Jazz, Ramsey Lewis shares with us his life story as a Chicago native and son of two parents who were part of the Great Migration up North. I really enjoyed reading the particulars of why Lewis is considered to be in the lineage of jazz musicians who incorporated R&B and the blues in the 1950s-60s as opposed to those who embraced changes in modern jazz at that time.

This memoir includes an overview of Lewis' life, career as a musician, and his family life as a 2x husband and father. I really enjoyed the contributions in the book from his wife, Jan, his son and his fellow musicians. Ramsey Lewis was laid to rest in September 2022 and though he was not alive to be here for the release of this book he would be pleased with the way this work honors him.

Thank you to the author and publisher for the e-arc copy!

Having the privilege and pleasure of hearing Ramsey Lewis live many times, it’s wonderful to read about his life and beginnings. Long a huge icon in the jazz world, Ramsey Lewis is a legend and it’s now nice to read about the man himself.