Famous Pianist Ramsey Lewis Paying Musical Tribute to Abraham Lincoln


		Pianist Ramsey Lewis Paying Musical Tribute to Abraham Lincoln July 27, 2008 - A musical piece paying tribute to next year's 200th anniversary of President Abraham Lincoln's birth (1809). The musical composition will get its inspiration from Lincoln's life and musicians from the 19th century.

Lincoln was the 16th US President and led his country through the most critical experience in its national history, the American Civil War (1861-1865) and was assassinated less than a week after the war's end. He is regarded by many historians to have been one of the greatest American presidents.

The Ravinia Festival, located outside of Chicago, is the oldest outdoor music festival in North America. It attracts around 600,000 visitors to some 120 to 150 events than span all genres from Classical music to Jazz to music theatre over a three-month summer season.

Chicago-born and still resident Lewis, trained as a Classical music pianist, switched to Jazz when he was 18.

Since then he had a successful career with three Grammy Awards and several golden albums. In 1993, Lewis, who performed first at the Ravinia Festival in 1966, was designated artistic director of Jazz at Ravinia. Besides programming the Jazz gigs of the festival, he also helped to develop the Ravinia's Jazz in the Schools Mentor Program.

Therefore, it was obvious that only a prestigious American pianist such as Ramsey Lewis could compose a musical piece honouring a great American President such as Abraham Lincoln through the "purely American music" of Jazz, as Lewis declared to the Associated Press. The piece will be performed at the Ravinia Festival in 2009.

Lewis is currently touring the USA with his trio and the Legends of Jazz www.ramseylewis.com - By Akbar Nour

Smooth Jazz Network Shakes up the format
December 8, 2006 - If you like Smooth Jazz radio you're bound to hear more from Dave Koz in the New Year. Broadcast Architecture's Smooth Jazz Network may replace many well-known announcers in the format with personalities like Koz and Ramsey Lewis. So far Cliff Smith of KYOT/Phoenix, Ray White and Timothy Alexander White of KKSF/San Francisco have lost their jobs. Smith will be replaced by former afternoon drive host Tony Evans whose position is now being filled by Koz. In San Francisco long-time afternoon host Koz will also replace Ray White and night host Timothy Alexander White loses his job for Annie Ashe of the Smooth Jazz Network. Koz has also been announced to host the afternoons at WNUA Chicago. Former afternoon drive host Danae Alexander will be moved back to evenings. Expect more announcements soon.

Larry Rosen Supports Ramsey Lewis with Jazz TV on PBS
July 23, 2005 - And now for the story behind a story…I've already reported on the new PBS series hosted by jazz great Ramsey Lewis(left) set to air this fall. The series is being produced by Larry Rosen, who has put more then one million dollars of his own cash on the line to bring the public a TV Series devoted to jazz. He believes, contrary to many in the industry, that the audience is out there. When Lewis approached Rosen about starting their own label, forward thinker Rosen suggested instead that they tap into the many rich and varied possibilities open to them in television and media. The two have formed a company to do just that. PBS will give viewers a taste of what will come with an hour long special "Legends of Jazz: The Jazz Masters". The special will feature Nancy Wilson, Jon Hendricks, James Moody, Paquito D'Rivera, and George Wein, and to add a taste of great things to come teen sensation Rene Olstead will also be featured. Each episode in the series will be created around a theme. Latin Jazz, Contemporary Jazz, the Golden Horns, and the Killer B's (Hammond B3 Organ Players) will be featured on future episodes which will showcase both seasoned veterans and up and comers who are on the horizon, and keeping the genre forward facing and fresh. The show promises big sound as it will be shot in high definition 5.1 Surround sound. Bronx native Rosen began his career working as a drummer in bands for leaders such as Henri Mancini. He thinks the jazz audience is starving for more and better media coverage, and it is his mission to deliver. - by Cheryl Philips

Smooth Jazz News
June 21, 2005 - Ramsey Lewis will host a series titled "Legends of Jazz" which will air on National Public Television starting in the fall of 2005. Lewis currently hosts a similarly themed syndicated radio show. - by Cheryl Philips