(February 8, 2020) Today we mourn the passing of singer and educator Jeff Ramsey, who died after a brief illness. A graduate from the Berklee College of Music, Jeff toured and recorded the world over with such artists as Lalah Hathaway, Al Jarreau, Patrice Rushen, Maxwell, Celine Dion, Whitney Houston, Diana Ross, and Barbara Streisand, before truly making a mark on his own. Jeff also was the bright voice in several commercials for many of the biggest companies in the world, from Burger King to Mountain Dew.
We first heard Jeff when he was the guest vocalist on James Day’s 2009 album Natural Things. Jeff followed it up with the excellent My Best, which we rated as “Recommended.” His rich, powerful voice was a treat to behold, reminding many of the great Glenn Jones.
Jeff found his way to give back to his alma mater, becoming a professor at Berklee and finding joy in helping to develop the next generation of musical stars.
Jeff was revered by so many artists and others in music, that even though his was not a household name, he had countless households of people who simply loved him. This will be a difficult day for many of us who felt that way. Rest in peace, Jeff.
By Chris Rizik
