Jazz Guitarist Russell Malone, 60, Suffers Fatal Heart Attack
When Jersey Jazz Giant Russell Malone was 12, he saw George Benson perform in Benny Goodman’s band on TV. It changed his life. He died August 23 at 60 from a heart attack while on tour in Japan as part of Ron Carter’s band. In his tragically short life, he played in the bands of Harry Connick, Jr., Diana Krall, Jimmy Smith, BB King, Branford Marsalis, Macy Gray, Christian McBride, David Sanborn and Sonny Rollins. Malone, born in Georgia, whose father died fighting in Vietnam, lived in Jersey City for many years before moving to Englewood. He became a Professor at William Paterson University in Wayne in 2021.
Bassist Carter, 87, issued the following statement: “I am currently on a tour that began as The Golden Striker Trio, consisting of Russell Malone, Donald Vega, and Yours Truly. On the 23rd of August Mr. Malone suffered a heart attack upon completion of our performance at Blue Note Tokyo. Donald Vega and I are completing this tour as a duo ... in respect and honor of the memory of Mr. Malone ... this is the chair Mr. Malone sat in to play and represents his continued presence on the bandstand with us.”
Since his death, there’s been an outpouring of love and much sadness. Musicians and fans have posted stories of Malone’s mentoring of younger musicians, deep knowledge of jazz history and generosity. A GoFundMe page has been set up for the family https://gofund.me/05c5b1e1. [Thanks to Marla Kleman for her assistance on this story.]
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