Ahmad Jamal has died, sources close to the jazz pianist have confirmed.
News of the pianist and composer’s death was confirmed overnight (April 16th). In a statement, his daughter Sumayah Jamal saluted his passing, which followed treatment for prostate cancer. He was 92 years old.
With his deft touch and questing spirit, Ahmad Jamal lit up the post bop jazz scene, combining complex and increasingly spiritual ideas with the African-American idiom.
Born Frederick Jones in Pittsburgh, he could lay claim to a piano lineage from a young age – family neighbours included Errol Garner. Drawn to New York, his individuality wowed the attendant jazz scene – Miles Davis covered one of his works on seminal album ‘Miles Ahead’.
Converting to Islam during a visit to Detroit, the pianist chose the name Ahmad Jamal to reflect his new beliefs and broadening world view. Continually expanding his aesthetic, he disdained the word ‘jazz’ preferring instead to label his work American Classical.
From small band club combos to huge orchestral works and beyond, Ahmad Jamal leaves a towering legacy.
Rest in power.