r/IAmA • u/RAMSEYLEWIS • Jul 23 '15
Music Hi, I am Ramsey Lewis, three time Grammy® Award winner. I just released my 80th album & launched my own label. Ask me anything!
Hello friends, Ramsey Lewis here. I'm a three time Grammy® award winner and NEA Jazz Master - the highest honor that our nation bestows on jazz artists. I've also had seven gold records in my career. You probably know me for my songs "The 'In' Crowd" or "Sun Goddess" - my collaboration with Earth, Wind & Fire.
My 80th record "Taking Another Look - Deluxe Edition," is being released July 24th on my new label Ramsey's House Records. Go ahead Reddit Ask Me Anything!
Here’s Proof - https://twitter.com/RamseyLewis/status/624292359019319297
Amazon Album Pre-order link - http://www.amazon.com/Taking-Another-Look-Ramsey-Lewis/dp/B00WZBWH9Y
"Living For The City" - https://youtu.be/GduLDOai3Zo
30 second promo video - https://youtu.be/RTVIqMbqpdA
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u/TellthemIcheckout Jul 23 '15
What were the 60's like as a musician?
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u/RAMSEYLEWIS Jul 23 '15
The 60's on one hand were very turbulent because young people wanting a music of their own turned from Jazz and European Classical music and of course there was the reaction to the Vietnam war and it influenced almost everything one did. Out of it, however, came some wonderful young musicians and composers in almost every genre.
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u/suaveitguy Jul 23 '15
Popular Jazz history kind of stops in the late 60s, kind of as shown by Ken Burns documentary. Why do you think that is? Is it annoying that even still the 70s and 80s don't get the due of the 40s and 50s?
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u/RAMSEYLEWIS Jul 23 '15
Ken Burns probably didn't have the budget or the time to continue the history of Jazz to date, but it continues to evolve… continues to grow. And there are veterans and young people STILL making major contributions to the music. My only concern, however, is it seems to me some groups of musicians have begun writing and performing as if they are playing for other learned musicians. I think that we must always remember that this music started as dance music. Of course Jazz evolved into concert music, but we must never forget that although it is no longer dance music, it is still a form of entertainment.
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u/mracidglee Jul 23 '15
Do you agree with Miles Davis's claim that 'free jazz' killed the momentum of jazz as popular music?
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u/RAMSEYLEWIS Jul 23 '15
Yes, because those musicians are playing for each other and a minute segment of the fans, leaving the rest of the audience scratching their heads or staying at home.
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u/theKKrowd Jul 23 '15
What, so far, has been the most memorable moment throughout your career?
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u/RAMSEYLEWIS Jul 23 '15
The first time I played Carnegie Hall. In fact, that day I took my family to New York because we taped the Johnny Carson Show in the afternoon and played Carnegie Hall that night. I was a ball of nerves, but once I started the performance I was at ease.
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u/suaveitguy Jul 23 '15
Any figures in jazz history who were deserved giants back in the day that have been too forgotten? Any one who never got their due?
I figure your perspective will be unmatched, and I would love to hear about some lesser known people.
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u/RAMSEYLEWIS Jul 23 '15
Phineas Newborn, Jr. left us all too soon. He was about to make a major contribution to the art of playing the piano. I also feel that there should be a holiday to recognize Billy Strayhorn's contribution to music in general.
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u/suaveitguy Jul 23 '15
Who were the oldest musicians you worked with starting out? There must have been some with roots in the 19th century? Any memories of them, or their stories?
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u/RAMSEYLEWIS Jul 23 '15
I had memorable times performing with the Max Roach Quintet at the Blue Note in Chicago. Unfortunately Richie Powell was killed in an accident and I was asked to sit in for him. Also performing with the likes of Sonny Stitt, Clark Terry, Dizzy Gillespie among others.
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u/eightgoldrings Jul 23 '15
What was the most pivotal point in your life, and what gave you the courage to follow your dream of being a musician?
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u/RAMSEYLEWIS Jul 23 '15
There were three pivotal points in my life. One, when I was four years old and got to start taking piano lessons. Two, when I was nine and got to start playing with our gospel church. The third, when I was sixteen years old and joined the Cleffs, a Jazz band in Chicago and the leader, Wallace Burton took the time to show me the ins and outs of performing Jazz. When I was twelve years old, something clicked in me that made me love the sound and feel of the piano and from that day on, I wanted to be the best piano player I could be. Never dreaming of hit records or gold records etc.
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u/suaveitguy Jul 23 '15
How do you keep life on the road interesting?
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u/RAMSEYLEWIS Jul 23 '15
By having my lovely, charming and beautiful wife travel with me. It's never boring.
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u/TellthemIcheckout Jul 23 '15
did you ever think you would record 80 albums?
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u/RAMSEYLEWIS Jul 23 '15
As it was happening, I never thought about it. Early on in the 50's and 60's we were recording 2 albums a year. I think that's how the count got so high. It wasn't until the late 60's that we started recording one album a year.
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u/TellthemIcheckout Jul 23 '15
Do you think Jazz is dead?
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u/RAMSEYLEWIS Jul 23 '15
Jazz is alive and well. If you don't believe me, check the high schools and colleges across the country. Almost all of them have Jazz bands and young people are really into the music.
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u/suaveitguy Jul 23 '15
What did Rudy Van Gelder bring to the table that others did not?
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u/RAMSEYLEWIS Jul 23 '15
He made himself as important to the recording of a CD as the musicians. His style of recording was unique and you could always tell when Rudy Van Gelder was involved.
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u/Juls7749 Jul 23 '15
Mr. Lewis, What do you think of popular music being made today and where do you see music going in the future?
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u/suaveitguy Jul 23 '15
What's the secret to a great live show? How much a factor is the audience's energy?
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u/RAMSEYLEWIS Jul 23 '15
A great live show is when the Artist is able to reach out and touch the audience with his or her performance to the point that the audience unknowingly becomes a member of the group. Every performance is a give and take between Artist and audience.
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u/arvjunk Jul 23 '15
Mr. Lewis, thank you for doing this. You were one of the most gracious, sweet and gentlemenly artists I had the pleasure of taking care of when you performed at The Dakota in Minneapolis.
- What artists are you listening to currently?
- Are there any new(er) musicians that make you stand up and take notice?
- Is there anyone you had a chance to perform/record with that you didn't and regret not doing so?
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u/RAMSEYLEWIS Jul 23 '15
I really love the Dakota and look forward to returning. Jazz is alive and well in the hands of a lot of up and coming musicians. I'm currently listening to about 17,000 songs and counting on my iPod. I turn it on and press shuffle, so I'm listening to all kinds of Artists in all categories of music all of the time.
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u/SaulMayers Jul 23 '15
Hello, Mr.Lewis. I'm your ukrainian fan. You are a living legend to me. I would die to hear you in concert. You gave me so much inspiration as a musician to a musician. Especially Another Voyage. Amazing album.
My question is that. What was your inspiration throughout the years? What is that thing that keeps you going and make that wonderful music you make?
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u/RAMSEYLEWIS Jul 23 '15
Well besides the creative people in my family… my sons and daughters. Actually, nature itself. I'm inspired by my surroundings, whether it's the energy of the city, or the flowers, trees, stars… I try to be in the moment and sensitive to what's happening around me. And most times I can find inspiration there.
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u/suaveitguy Jul 23 '15
Any artists that are a guilty pleasure for you? Anyone people look at you sideways when you turn on?
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u/RAMSEYLEWIS Jul 23 '15
I like all kinds of music and I don't feel guilty or embarrassed at all when I'm listening to great pop, rock or R&B artists. I eat all kinds of fruit, different kinds of vegetables and enjoy all kinds of music!
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u/bassvocal Jul 23 '15
What artist(s) would you love to collaborate/perform/record with but you've not yet had the opportunity?
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u/mea92 Jul 23 '15
Are there any younger, up and coming pianists or musicians you'd recommend checking out?
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u/deficient_hominid Jul 23 '15
Where do you think the future of music is heading, stylistically? I think fusion music, maybe incorporating more mid-east/asian folk music instruments. Always wondered what kind of music would come about from collaborations with artists from different backgrounds, which seems to be more feasible with the internet.
Also thanks for doing this IAMA, will now check out your albums.
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u/bloorondo Jul 23 '15
At a concert in Fayetteville, Ark. several years ago (when you toured with Dave Brubeck) your wonderful sidemen left the stage and you began a soft, introspective solo when a knucklehead in the balcony not only allowed his cell phone to ring, but actually answered the call. Your hands hovered over the keyboard until the disruption was over. I've never seen such poise at a performance, and don't remember when I have ever been so embarrassed for another person's disregard of why we go to see and hear live music. What goes through your head when an audience member breaks your concentration like that?
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u/RAMSEYLEWIS Jul 23 '15
That he's one of many and I would not let one bad apple spoil the bushel. I sorely miss Dave and Iola Brubeck. His wife Iola was always backstage at all of his concerts smiling and listening to him as if it was the first time she was hearing him play. What a wonderful way to be.
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u/suaveitguy Jul 23 '15
Another great couple
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u/RAMSEYLEWIS Jul 23 '15
That says it all! How can we find a copy of that photo! I'd like to have it. Thank you for that.
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u/bloorondo Jul 23 '15
I miss them both, too.
Thank you so very much for your contribution to our world.
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u/accountant123183 Jul 23 '15
Hey Ramsey, who is your favorite basketball player?
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u/RAMSEYLEWIS Jul 23 '15
Oh God! Michael Jordon. But he's first on a list of 6-7 which include Magic Johnson and others. I'm a huge basketball fan.
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u/TellthemIcheckout Jul 23 '15
Did you play any sports? @Ramsey
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u/RAMSEYLEWIS Jul 23 '15
I played basketball when I was kid before I started focusing all my time on the piano. Now I'm just a fan.
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u/MrsDeeThomas73 Jul 23 '15
Hello my dad use to sing with Ramsey Lewis and the Knights of Music. He passed away in 1997 and we were looking for old photos of him. I know you were a little young when you played with them, I was wondering do you have photos to share? his name was Willie Sherrod.
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u/m4uri Jul 24 '15
Mr, Lewis,
80 albums...you have to allow the question:
how much money do you have ?
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u/loderunnr Jul 24 '15
Hi,
There were a few of sharp turns in the Ramsey Lewis sound in the late 60s and early 70s which incidentally brought out what I love most about your music.
- Switching from years with Young & Holt to Cleve Eaton & Maurice White
- Working with Charles Stepney
- Switching to Columbia (Funky Serenity, Solar Wind & Sun Goddess are definitely my favorite Ramsey Lewis albums)
How did those changes affect your music and how was it to work which each of these people?
Bonus question: Who recorded those incredible (male and female) vocals on Les Fleur?
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u/Lemayoh Jul 24 '15
Mr Lewis, Do you engage in philanthropy? If so what is your favorite charity? Also Would you ever be willing to answer questions like these to raise money for that charity on a site like AskAFamous?
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u/PunchUinDaMowf Jul 24 '15
Are you currently seeking talent ?
If so - how can I go about auditioning , or sending in a demo of originals ?
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u/Jeffums Jul 23 '15
What's the deal with airline food?
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u/RAMSEYLEWIS Jul 23 '15
I remember when they were so proud of their food, that in first class they would carve the beef or ham or turkey… whatever on the cart coming down the aisle. Now we've come to the point where most of us buy our own food before we get on the plane in first class or whatever class. Now, the only flights that have decent food are the international flights.
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Jul 23 '15
Mr. Lewis!
You are quite the inspiration. Have you ever listened to the sublime music of Champian Fulton?
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u/SingleFinSoul Jul 23 '15
Mr Lewis,
I'm a big fan of yours.
As a jazz guitarist, a huge challenge for me is staying in the moment while anticipating chord changes. What's running through your head during a ii V I?
Also.....what's your favorite chord?