Presidential recognition for Ramsey Lewis

President Barack Obama surprised jazz pianist Ramsey Lewis with belated birthday wishes on a personalised video for his Chicago Symphony Orchestra debut on August 8. The President congratulated him on his recent 80th birthday and his debut with the orchestra as soloist and composer at Ravinia Festival in Illinois, the oldest outdoor music festival in the United States. It has been the summer home of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra since 1936.

Both Ramsey Lewis and President Obama are celebrated Chicago figures, Ramsey for his music and undying love of his home city and President Obama for his residence and work in the city.