Ahmad Jamal (born Frederick Russell Jones; July 2, 1930 – April 16, 2023) was a jazz pianist, composer, bandleader, and educator from the United States. He was one of the most effective small-group leaders in jazz for six decades. He was named a Jazz Master by the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) and received a Lifetime Achievement Grammy for his contributions to music history.
Jamal was born Frederick Russell Jones on July 2, 1930, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He began playing the piano when he was three years old when his uncle Lawrence challenged him to mimic what he was performing on the piano. Jamal began professional piano lessons at the age of seven with Mary Cardwell Dawson, whom he credits with influencing him significantly.
Ahmad Jamal’s top songs
Poinciana, The Surrey With The Fringe Top, Ahmad’s Blues, Manhattan Reflections & Extensions, I Love Music, Old Devil Moon, Billy Boy, Will You Still Be Mine, Pavanne, Crazy He Me
Ahmad Jamal’s awards
1959: Entertainment Award, Pittsburgh Junior Chamber of Commerce
1980: Distinguished Service Award, City of Washington D.C., Anacostia Neighborhood Museum, Smithsonian Institution
1981: Nomination, Best R&B Instrumental Performance (“You’re Welcome”, “Stop on By”), NARAS
1986: Mellon Jazz Festival Salutes Ahmad Jamal, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania[
1987: Honorary Membership, Philippines Jazz Foundation
1994: American Jazz Masters Award, National Endowment for the Arts
2001: Arts & Culture Recognition Award, National Coalition of 100 Black Women
2001: Kelly-Strayhorn Gallery of Stars, for Achievements as Pianist and Composer, EastLiberty Quarter Chamber of Commerce
2003: American Jazz Hall of Fame, New Jersey Jazz Society
2003: Gold Medallion, Steinway & Sons 150 Years Celebration (1853–2003)
2007: Living Jazz Legend, Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
2007: Ordre des Arts et des Lettres, French government
2011: Down Beat Hall of Fame, 76th Readers Poll
2015: Honorary Doctorate of Music, The New England Conservatory
2017: Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, The Recording Academy
2018: Leopolis Jazz Music Awards Leopolis Jazz Fest, Lviv
