Ramsey Lewis donates memorabilia to Smithsonian

Jet, April 21, 2008

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RAMSEY LEWIS DONATES MEMORABILIA TO SMITHSONIAN: Jazz legend Ramsey Lewis talks about the jazz tradition and his career after he donated memorabilia to the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History in Washington, DC. The event, held at George Washington University, launched the seventh annual celebration of Jazz Appreciation Month, Among the items donated are rare photographs, publicity materials, news clippings and awards including Lewis' 2007 designation as a Jazz Master by the National Endowment for the Arts and his designation as a living "Legendary Landmark of Chicago." These items will join the museum's collection of memorabilia from other jazz greats including Ella Fitzgerald, Duke Ellington, Lionel Hampton and Artie Shaw.