Ahmad Jamal will be remembered as a legendary jazz composer and pianist who inspired many generations of artists. As reported by dailymail.co.uk, he idolized, among others, Miles Davis, one of the most popular jazzmen in the world, who once said that all his inspirations come from the late composer. Jamal was also appreciated by musicians of other genres. In 1994, the pianist’s song “I Love Music” was used as a sample by rapper Nas in the composition “The World is Yours”.
In 2017, the legendary jazzman won the Grammy Award for lifetime achievement and invaluable contribution to the history of music. 10 years earlier he was honored with the title of “Livint Jazz Legend” – “Living Legend of Jazz” by the Kennedy Center.
Ahmad Jamal is dead. The legendary jazzman died at the age of 92
The pianist was born in 1930 in Pittsburgh, and his talent was revealed already at the age of three, when he began attending piano lessons. Four years later, he began professional training with mentor and opera director Mary Cardwell Dawson. In later years, he explored the work of jazz masters such as Earl Hines and Erroll Garner. At just 14, pianist Art Tatum dubbed Jamal a huge rising star. After graduating from high school, Jamal began touring with a professional orchestra.
Jamal was born Frederick Russel Jones, but changed his religion and name to Jamal Ahmad in 1950. He achieved international success in the 1950s when he joined the trio The Three Strings. The 1958 album At the Pershing: But Not For Me remains one of the most influential releases in jazz history to this day. The artist recorded for the next six decades. He co-wrote the music for films such as “What Happens in Madison County” with Clint Eastwood and Meryl Streep or the TV series “M*A*S*H”.
Source: Gazeta
Bruce is a talented author and journalist with a passion for entertainment . He currently works as a writer at the 247 News Agency, where he has established himself as a respected voice in the industry.
