|
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS
 Composer, pianist and jazz legend Ramsey Lewis will be inducted into the brotherhood of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. on Saturday, October 24, 2009 at The Metropolitan Club in the Willis Tower (formerly Sears Tower), 233 South Wacker Drive, Suite 6700, in Chicago, IL. The ceremony will begin at 2:00 PM with a reception following at 3:00 pm.
Lewis, a native Chicagoan often referred to as "the great performer," represents the great diversity of music for which Chicago is noted.
Ramsey Lewis first captivated fans with his first album "Ramsey Lewis And The Gentlemen of Swing" by the Ramsey Lewis Trio in 1956. By 1965, he was one of the nation's most successful jazz pianists, topping the charts with "The In Crowd," "Hang On Sloopy" and "Wade In The Water." He has three Grammy Awards and seven gold records to his credit. His most recent industry award was the 2006 Stellar Award for Best Gospel Instrumental Album, "With One Voice." He was also the recipient of the National Endowment for the Arts Jazz Masters Award in January 2007.
In addition to recording albums and performing live, Mr. Lewis hosted WNUA-FM Chicago's weekday morning drive-time radio show, "The Ramsey Lewis Morning Show," from 1997-2009. He also continues to host the syndicated "Legends of Jazz with Ramsey Lewis," radio program that airs in over 75 cities throughout the U.S.
Active in community efforts, especially on behalf of youth, he helped organize the Ravinia Festival's Jazz Mentor Program and also serves as the Artistic Director for that festival's jazz series.
Phi Beta Sigma members interested in attending the Honorary Member Induction Ceremony MUST RSVP to the international headquarters at 202-726-5434. For more information contact Honorable Brother Carl Walker at 312-719-8047 or Steve E. Ballard at 773-621-7240.
The ceremony and reception will be open those members that RSVP. All members are required to wear dark suit, white shirt and blue tie, no exceptions. Members without proper attire will not be admitted. Once ceremony begins, doors will not be opened, until the reception.
|
