A celebration of 75 years of Roosevelt University
Jazz Pianist, Composer | BA Music Composition, ’52
Ramsey Lewis released his debut album in 1956. Since then, he has recorded over 80 jazz albums, won three Grammys and had seven gold records. Lewis is one of four Roosevelt alums to win an NEA Jazz Master fellowship, the highest honor for jazz musicians in the United States.
Founder of the Jazz Showcase | 1947–57
Roosevelt Graduation on 12/13/13. Photos by Nathan Mandell.
The live music sessions that Joe Segal hosted as a Roosevelt student became the Jazz Showcase, the oldest jazz club in Chicago.
After serving in World War II, Joe Segal came to Roosevelt and took over the jazz club. Through his connections in the Chicago music scene, he brought in popular local and touring artists like Thelonious Monk, Sonny Rollins and Charlie Parker. Today the Showcase continues to present music seven days a week — including performances from CCPA jazz students.
Jazz Composer and Performer | Philosophy and Music Composition, ’63
Anthony Braxton is one of the most influential artists in improvisational jazz. As a teacher and musician, Braxton has released over 100 albums and has earned a global reputation for his remarkable skills.
Braxton was recognized as a Jazz Master by the National Endowment for the Arts, awarded the MacArthur ‘Genius’ Grant, and continues to play music and support young musicians.
Jazz Musicians | Years at Roosevelt: 1964–66
Corky Siegel and Jim Schwall met at Roosevelt in 1964. Although the students were in jazz band together, they did not officially meet until a chance encounter in an elevator, when Siegel asked Schwall if he played the blues. Siegel recalls that moment as finding his musical soulmate.
The pair quickly formed the Siegel-Schwall Band, which became one of Chicago’s most loved blues groups. Siegel played the harmonica and the saxophone while Schwall played the guitar, and both did vocals. Siegel was inducted in the Blues Hall of Fame in 2018.