Thornton Jazz Orchestra with guest Ramsey Lewis October 7, 2005

Legendary is a title that has followed Ramsey Lewis throughout his lucrative career as one of the nation's most successful jazz pianists. Despite the much-deserved fame, three Grammy Awards and seven golden records to his credit, Lewis concedes a sense of modesty.

In response to the international acclaim, Lewis says, ?It's a high honor when someone says so, but I don't see myself that way. What keeps me enthusiastic and energizes me, is the realization that the more I learn, the more I find there is to know.?

Referred to as ?the great performer,? Lewis first captivated the attention of critics and fans alike with the release of his first album, Ramsey Lewis and The Gentlemen of Swing. By 1965, he had become one of the nation's most successful jazz pianists; releasing chart toppers such as In the Crowd, Hang on Sloopy and Wade In The Water. With an impeccable performance style and a wide display of musical selections, Lewis has cemented a position as a legendary pianist, incorporating his early gospel playing and classical training along with his love of jazz and other musical forms. As a native Chicagoan, Lewis displays the same diversity of music for which the city of Chicago is noted.

To his credit, along with many other awards, Lewis has been honored with three honorary doctorate degrees and the Recording Academy Governor's Award in 2000. Throughout his career, Lewis has performed countless concerts and has played many of the jazz festivals and summer venues in the United States along with Canada, Europe, Japan, Mexico and the Caribbean.

Tickets:
General Admission: $15
USC Faculty and Staff, Senior Citizen: $10
USC Student: $5

For more information:
Call Spectrum at 213-740-2167, email at [email protected], or online at www.usc.edu/spectrum