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Ramsey Lewis is often referred to as “The Great performer.” Ramsey Emmanuel Lewis was born on May 27, 1935 in Chicago, Illinois. At the age of four, he began piano lessons. Meanwhile, in his home, he was being influenced by the music of Duke Ellington, Art Tatum, and Mead Mead Lux Lewis. It was apparent from childhood that Lewis was truly gifted in music. After graduating from the Edward Jenner Elementary School, Lewis received awards for his piano playing and an outstanding scholar award. He then studied with famed pianist, Dorothy Mendelsohn. Lewis then went on to attend the Chicago Music College where he intended to become a concert pianist. He dropped out, however, and married at the age of eighteen. He then went on to work at a local record store. It was at this time when Lewis was approached by church musician, Wallace Burton, to join a jazz band. Lewis joined the band, which called themselves “The Cleffs.” This was his first true involvement with Jazz music. The group beg...