Ahmad Jamal
Ahmad Jamal, born Frederick Russell Jones on July 2, 1930, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, was a renowned American jazz pianist, composer, bandleader, and educator. A child prodigy, Jamal began playing piano at the age of three and received formal training from Mary Cardwell Dawson from the age of seven. His early influences included jazz legends such as Earl Hines and Art Tatum. By the age of 14, he was recognized as a "coming great" in jazz.
In 1950, after converting to Islam and adopting the name Ahmad Jamal, he moved to Chicago, where he formed the Ahmad Jamal Trio. His 1958 album "At the Pershing: But Not for Me" became a significant success, featuring his famous rendition of "Poinciana." Jamal's innovative use of space and rhythm in his music greatly influenced artists like Miles Davis, who incorporated several of Jamal's compositions into his own repertoire.
Jamal's career spanned over six decades, during which he was celebrated for his unique style and contributions to jazz. He received numerous accolades, including being named an NEA Jazz Master and receiving a Lifetime Achievement Grammy. Jamal passed away on April 16, 2023, in Ashley Falls, Massachusetts, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most influential figures in jazz history.
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