Mr. Russell Malone

BIOGRAPHY

Russell Lamar Malone (November 8, 1963 – August 23, 2024) was an international jazz guitarist. He was

born in Albany, GA. and died in Tokyo, Japan while on tour with the bassist Ron Carter and pianist,

Donald Vega, doing exactly what he loved to do.

His first exposure to music and gospel songs was through his church, First Albany Deliverance Cathedral.

He attended elementary, middle school and high school in Albany, GA, graduating from Monroe High

School. He joined the jazz faculty at William Patterson University in Wayne, N.J., as an adjunct

professor in 2021 and served there until his death.

His encyclopedic knowledge of musicians and songs, combined with a precise yet relaxed playing style,

earned him jobs with Harry Connick, Jr. (which he toured the world and played before the Queen of

England in Windsor Castle) Diana Krall (receiving critical acclaim for his role as Diana’s right hand both in

concert and on her recordings). and many others, as well as a dedicated following as a solo artist.

Russell became interested in many genres of music, but ultimately chose to play jazz which he fell in love

with at age 12 after watching George Benson, who was one of his greatest mentors, and Benny

Goodman plays on television. He began teaching himself by listening to records by Mr. Benson, Wes

Montgomery and other guitar greats and practicing them over and over.

He was like a chameleon, in the sense that he could play in so many scenarios. Many in the jazz

community have described Russell as a virtuoso. Given his extraordinary ability, it might be surprising to

learn that Russell was largely self-taught with a phenomenal technique.

Russell was highly regarded for his versatility. He was able to support a variety of singers and

instrumentalists in a range of styles but had his own well-defined sound as a bandleader and soloist.

He was a featured performer in the 1996 film Kansas City, Jazz Seen, Independent Lens (1999), and The

Life & Times of William Claxton (2001). His guitar has also backed up The Winans, Patti Austin, Regina

Belle and Peabo Bryson, Gladys Knights, Aretha Franklin and Natalie Cole on the R & B and gospel side.

Russell recorded 10 albums as a leader, beginning with “Russell Malone” in 1992, while continuing to

work with a long list of notable artists, including B.B. King, Wynton Marsalis, Christian McBride, David

Sanborn, and Sonny Rollins-all of whom said they valued his ability to fit into, and elevate, their own

sound.

He was a Grammy Award winner, Critics’ Choice Award as Best Guitar and The Official IAJE Award

(International Association for Jazz Education) among many other recognitions.

Russell is survived by his mother, Veronice Jones, (Albany, GA); children Darius Malone (Riverdale, GA),

and Marla Malone (San Antonio, TX); sisters, Felicia (Ronald) Campbell (Albany, GA), Tametrice Jones

(Lawrenceville, GA), and Joyce Malone (Albany, GA); brothers, Stanley (Marie) Jones (Albany, GA),

Ricardo (Katherine) Jones (Leesburg, GA), Tony Barnes (Orlando FL); life partner, Mariko Hotta (Forest

Hills, NY), a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and countless others who were touched by

his life. He was preceded in death by his wife, Belinda West Malone; father, Robert Barnes; stepdad,

Jimmy Jones; maternal grandmother Ethel Malone and maternal grandfather, Arthur Malone; paternal

grandparents, Jimmy and Johnnie Mae Jones.