Broadcast Architecture names jazz legend and three-time Grammy winner Ramsey Lewis host of its Smooth Jazz Network's nationally distributed morning show, which debuts in January 2007.
BA president Allen Kepler states, "In more than 20 years of working in smooth jazz radio, I have never been more excited about anything we’ve created. Ramsey Lewis’ list of achievements is far too lengthy to include. Not only has the music world recognized him with Doctorate degrees and achievement awards, the radio industry has recognized Ramsey with awards, including twice R&R Industry Achievement Award winner of smooth jazz personality of the year.
Lewis comments, "Our team has worked hard to create what we feel is an entertaining, informative yet unique morning show. Sharing these moments with the rest of the country is the ultimate radio experience. To say we are excited is putting it mildly."
Lewis' fans and listeners have honored him with numerous awards, including five Gold records and several top 5 ratings wins for the morning show he hosts on WNUA. The station will remain his base of operation for the new nationally syndicated Ramsey Lewis Morning Show, where he will continue to be teamed with his Chicago co-host Karen Williams and producer Bob Kessler.
The syndicated morning show is part of Broadcast Architecture’s super-station concept and will be the cornerstone of the 24-hour smooth jazz network, slated to launch this January.
Lewis remains one of the busiest entertainers in the music world, recording CDs for Narada Jazz, touring as a solo artist, and with Urban Nights. Besides joining WNUA's morning show nine years ago, Lewis anchors the weekly show Legends of Jazz with Ramsey Lewis, nationally syndicated by United Radio Stations and heard in 75 US markets. He is also host of a PBS series of the same name.
In early 2005 he formed the Ramsey Lewis Foundation that provided youth with the opportunity to play musical instruments and develop skills that enhance self-confidence and a sense of personal accomplishment. Lewis’ illustrious career not only includes three Grammy Awards; five Gold Records; three industry achievement honors; NARAS' Recording Academy Governor’s Citizen of the Year award from Chicago's Gateway Foundation; Laureate award from the prestigious Lincoln Academy of Illinois; and NAACP's image award for outstanding jazz artist. In 2002 Lewis carried the Olympic Torch as it traveled to Salt Lake City.
By Carol Archer
radioandrecords.com
Technorati Tags: Jazz, Smooth Jazz, Music
No comments:
Post a Comment