Ahmad Jamal was a well-known jazz pianist, composer, bandleader, and educator from the United States. His passion to jazz for almost six decades has earned him the title of one of the most successful small-group leaders in jazz.
| Full Name: | Ahmad Jamal |
|---|---|
| Birth Date: | July 2, 1930 |
| Age: | 92 years |
| Death Date: | April 16, 2023 |
| Gender: | Male |
| Profession: | Singer, Pianist, Composet, Educator |
| Horoscope: | Cancer |
| Divorce | Laura Hess Hay, Sharifah Frazier |
| Net Worth | $5 Million |
| Salary | $93k |
| Status | Single |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | Mixed |
| Religion | Islam |
| Education | George Westinghouse High School. |
| Father | Robert Smith Jones |
| Mother | Lottie Jones |
| Kids | Sumayah Jamal, Mumeenah Counts |
Ahmad Jamal rose to prominence after receiving a Lifetime Achievement Grammy from the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) Jazz Master.
How much was the Ahmad Jamal’s Salary and Net Worth?
At the time of his death, his net worth was $5 million. This was his earnings as an American jazz pianist, composer, bandleader, and educator. He was paid $93k per year as a vocalist.
Ahmad Jamal’s Childhood and Early Life
Ahmad Jamal was born on July 2, 1930, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA. He was 93 years old in 2023. Frederick Russell Jones was his given name.His birth sign was Cancer, and he celebrated his birthday on July 2nd. He was born in the United States as the son of Robert Smith Jones (father) and Lottie Jones (mother).
Also he is of mixed heritage and has dual citizenship in the United States. He was raised in the Islamic faith. Ahmad began attending George Westinghouse High School.He graduated from high school in 1948. Jamal began piano instruction with Mary Cardwell when he was only seven years old.
Frederick Russell Jones Renamed Himself Ahmad Jamal
He was raised in a Baptist home. However, while touring the Muslim community, he found the faith of Islam. Because of his fascination in Islam and Islamic culture, he changed his name from Frederick Russell Jones to Ahmad Jamal. Then he began to believe in the religion of Islam. He revealed his decision to change his name to the New York Times by:
“re-establish my original name and say Muslim prayers five times a day and arises in time to say his first prayers at 5 am. He says them in Arabic in keeping with the Muslim tradition.”
Ahmad Jamal had Married 3 times
Jamal was married three times throughout his life.Previously, he was married to Laura Hess Hay.Laura is his third wife, and she works as his manager. In 1982, he walked down the aisle with Laura in front of their closest family and friends. They were married for several years before divorcing.
He married his first wife in the 1950s. His first marriage ended in divorce in 1962. As a result, he was hospitalized after an apparent overdose in 1963. Sharifah Frazier is the name of his second wife.They were married to each other for a very short time.
Children of Ahmad Jamal
Ahmad is the father of four kids. Mumeenah Counts, his first daughter, died in 1979. His first marriage produced Counts. Muminah was murdered and passed away. Sumayah Jamal, his daughter with his second ex-wife Sharifah, was born.He was also the grandfather of two Sumayah grandchildren.
Ahmad Jamal’s Death
Ahmad will breathe his final breath on April 16, 2023. At the time of his death, he was just 92 years old. In Ashley Falls, Massachusetts, he died of prostate cancer. His death was announced by his daughter. The BBC then announced his death:
“Ahmad Jamal dies at 92: Acclaimed jazz pianist who influenced Miles Davis.”
Ahmad’s Musical Career
- Jamal Ahmad was a jazz pianist and bandleader from the United States.
- He began playing the piano at the age of three.
- When Ahmad witnessed his uncle, Lawerence, playing the piano, he was inspired.
- Art Tatum, a pianist, discovered him when he was 14 years old.
- He went on tour with George Hudson’s Orchestra after graduating from high school.
- He was also a member of The Four Strings, another group/band.
- In 1995, he released his first album, Ahmad Jamal Plays.
- Ahmad is in the frame. (Image courtesy of Getty Images))
- Later, in 1950, he had the opportunity to perform alongside musicians Von Freeman and Claude McLin.
- In 1951, he released his first record with The Three Strings on the Okeh label.
- Then, in 1953 and 1955, he recorded for Parrot and Epic.
- From 1951 through 1955, he led a band and recorded a song called The Piano Scene of Ahmad Jamal for the Epic label.
- In 1958, he collaborated with Argo on a song called At the Pershing.
Songs & Albums of Ahmad Jamal
Cry Young, his first song, was recorded with Cadet in 1967. He recorded his second song, The Bright, with record the Blue and the Beautiful Cadet in 1968.Poinciana, l adore music, Ahmad’s Blues, Autumn Leaves, m*a*s*h theme, and Swahililand are among his most popular tracks.He also released Marseille, Darn That Dream, April in Pairs, and Mo greater love.
Ahmad Jamal Trio, Count ‘Em 88, Ahmad Jamal at the Pershing, Vol. 2, Ahmad’s Blues, At the Pershing: But Not for Me, The Portfolio of Ahmad Jamal, and others are among his albums.
Awards and Achievements for Ahmad Jamal
- In 1959, he received the Entertainment Award from the Pittsburgh Junior Chamber of Commerce.
- In 1980, he received the Distinguished Service Award from the City of Washington, D.C.
- The Philippines Jazz Foundation bestowed Honorary Membership on him in 1987.
Ahmad Jamal’s Frequently Asked Questions
What was the name of Ahmad Jamal’s drummer?
Ahmad’s drummer was Vernel Anthony Fournier. From 1956 until 1962, he was one of the most popular American jazz drummers. He died on November 4, 2000.
Who was Ahmad Jamal’s bassist?
Ahmad Jamal’s bassist was James Alfred Conrad Cammack Jr. James was originally from Cornwall, New York, and he played bass for him until his death.
Did Ahmad Jamal write that suicide is easy?
Yes, he penned and performed the song “Suicide is Painless.” In 1970, the song was released. He released it as part of the album M*A*S*H.
Ahmad Jamal lived where?
He used to live in the Berkshires of Massachusetts. Even after he quit performing, he continued to record his songs until his death.
When was the last time Ahmad Jamal performed?
His most recent live performance took place in the Kennedy Center’s Concert Hall. He performed in February 2020 and even expressed his affection for his guitar, saying:
“When I pass a piano anywhere, I have to touch it or play it. The reward of being a musician is not money. It’s the wonderful, indescribable feeling of knowing you’re performing at your highest level. It’s a spiritual feeling. You can always make money. But you can’t always latch onto your own spirit. Maybe these moments represent the ultimate freedom.”
