Ahmad Jamal, an influential jazz pianist, composer, and arranger, has passed away at the age of 92 (VOA News). Born as Frederick Russell Jones in Pittsburgh, Jamal had over seven decades of experience in the music industry, and his innovative chamber jazz style had a powerful impact on his contemporaries while gaining a worldwide audience (Los Angeles Times).
His masterpiece, “At The Pershing: But Not For Me,” made him famous and spent 108 weeks on the Billboard album chart (NPR). His measured, spare, and rhythmically smooth approach to jazz piano influenced generations of other musicians who embraced his techniques (The Washington Post).
Jamal’s best-known composition is “Poinciana,” which has become a classic in the jazz world (Pitchfork). He helped usher in the “cool jazz” era and inspired generations of young musicians throughout his career (Rolling Stone).
Jamal’s daughter, Sumayah Jamal, confirmed the news of his untimely death (The Guardian). The piano great passed away on April 16, 2023, at his home in Ashley, surrounded by family and loved ones (The New York Times).
Jamal was a towering figure in the music industry whose legacy will long be remembered by lovers of jazz worldwide.
