Russell Malone Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids Russell Malone

Background information
Birth name	Russell Malone
Born	(1963-11-08)November 8, 1963 Albany, Georgia, U.S.
Died	August 23, 2024(2024-08-23) (aged 60)
Genres	Jazz
Occupation(s)	Musician
Instruments	Guitar
Years active	1980s–2024
Labels	Columbia Impulse! Venus Verve Telarc Maxjazz HighNote
Associated acts	Jimmy Smith Harry Connick Jr. Diana Krall

Russell Malone (born November 8, 1963 – died August 23, 2024) was a famous American jazz guitarist. He played the guitar and made music that many people loved. Russell started his career playing with the legendary musician Jimmy Smith in 1988. Later, in the 1990s, he also worked with other well-known artists like Harry Connick Jr. and Diana Krall.

Russell Malone's Early Life and Music Journey
Working with Famous Musicians
- Playing with Jazz Legends
- Touring and Recording
Russell Malone's Passing
Russell Malone's Albums
- Albums as a Leader
- Albums as a Guest Musician
See also

Russell Malone's Early Life and Music Journey

Russell Malone was born in Albany, Georgia, in the United States, on November 8, 1963. He started playing the guitar when he was only four years old! His mother bought him a toy guitar, and that's how his musical journey began.

Russell learned to play mostly by himself. He was inspired by famous musicians like B. B. King and a gospel group called The Dixie Hummingbirds. A very important moment for him was when he was twelve. He watched George Benson, another amazing guitarist, play on TV with Benny Goodman. This really showed Russell what was possible with a guitar.

Working with Famous Musicians

Russell Malone played with many great musicians throughout his career.

Playing with Jazz Legends

In 1988, Russell joined Jimmy Smith's band and played with him for two years. After that, he spent three years playing with Harry Connick Jr..

In 1995, Russell became the guitarist for the Diana Krall Trio. This was a big deal! He helped create three albums that were nominated for a Grammy Award. One of these albums, When I Look in Your Eyes, even won the award for Best Vocal Jazz Performance.

Russell also played on several albums with pianist Benny Green. They made albums like Kaleidoscope (1997) and Naturally (2000). Russell and Benny even formed a duo and released two albums together: Jazz at The Bistro (2003) and Bluebird (2004). They toured together until 2007.

Touring and Recording

Russell Malone toured with many other jazz stars. These included Ron Carter, Roy Hargrove, and Dianne Reeves. He also played as a session musician, which means he was hired to play on albums for artists like Kenny Barron, Branford Marsalis, and Wynton Marsalis.

In 1992, Russell released his very first solo album. He also led his own music groups, known as a trio or a quartet. He was a special guest at a concert celebrating the 90th birthday of pianist Hank Jones. In 2008, he performed a special show with another guitarist, Bill Frisell. The next year, Russell joined the band of the famous saxophonist Sonny Rollins.

Russell also recorded two live albums at the Jazz Standard club in New York City. These albums, Live at Jazz Standard, Volume One (2006) and Live at Jazz Standard, Volume Two (2007), featured his own quartet. His 2010 album, Triple Play, and his 2016 album, All About Melody, also featured other talented musicians.

In 2009 and 2010, Russell toured with a group called the CTI All Stars. They even recorded a live album and DVD called "Live At Montreux."