RIP Russell Malone 1963-2024

At home-courtesy of Russell Malone

Jazz Guitar Life truly laments the passing of a true original. RIP Mr. Malone. I have no words. I was hoping it was just a hoax but too many people who would be in the know have confirmed the tragic news. My condolences to Mr. Malone’s family, friends, fans, the Jazz Guitar community and the Jazz community in general.

As of yet I have not heard the reason behind his passing. More news to come when I get it.

So sad 🙁

About Lyle Robinson 362 Articles
Lyle Robinson is the owner/creator/publisher and editor of Jazz Guitar Life, an online magazine dedicated to the Jazz Guitar and its community of fine players worldwide.

8 Comments

  1. Apparently he was on tour with Ron Carter. After the set on Friday night, Mr. Malone suffered a heart attacked and passed. We are all gutted by this great loss. He was a wonderful human and great artist. May he rest in eternal peace and may his family and loved ones find comfort at this time.

  2. Russell Malone…where to begin? My husband and I first saw Russell Malone when he was playing with Dianna Krall at Montreux. They were the opener for Taj Mahal. They wowed the crowd and introduced Daina Krall and her backup to the European jazz scene. Later, Russell and his 2 co-musicians played at The Casino in Lucerne, Switzerland where my husband, Erwin and I lived at the time. He’s Swiss and I’m Canadian. We invited Russell over with his musicians at their break, for a drink with us and had a great talk and laughs together. I asked him who he dedicated his solo CD, Georgia Peach, to…he hesitated a moment and then honestly said, ” Me, I guess “. We all laughed and I’ll always remember his openness and honesty.
    A few years later, my husband and I decided to move to Canada but we didn’t know where to settle. We rented a camper van in Calgary and drove west to British Columbia. Landing in Vancouver and walking downtown, we noticed that Russell Malone and group were playing downtown. So we booked tickets and thrilled at seeing and hearing Russell once more. After the concert, we stayed behind and talked to Russell. We all couldn’t believe we were once again brought together. It was a beautiful reunion. He invited us to join them at a local jazz bar but it was unfortunately late and we had to walk a long distance back to our camper van. Hugs and goodbyes. I wish we’d gone with him. Now he’s gone but not in our souls and minds…he will always be alive and full of life in all its glory in his musical legacy, his compassion and love of life. RIP Russell.

    • Hi Kathleen and thank you so much for leaving such a wonderful reminiscence. I’m glad that you and your husband got to spend some time with Russell, and not once, but twice! 🙂 His musical legacy will indeed live on.

      Take care and my best to all.

      Lyle – Jazz Guitar Life

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