Family Statement on the Passing of Russell Malone

Family Statement on the Passing of
Russell Malone

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved father, Russell Malone, a Grammy Award-winning jazz guitarist whose music touched the lives of many around the world. He suffered a massive heart attack on August 23rd, 2024 following an extensive battle with end stage kidney failure.

Russell’s journey began in 1963 in Albany, Georgia, where he first discovered his passion for music as a child playing in church. His extraordinary talent and dedication to his craft led him to start playing in local clubs at the age of 16, allowing him to truly develop and sharpen his gift as a jazz artist, and would ultimately lead him to share his talent with audiences across the globe. Over the course of his nearly 40 year career, he collaborated with a diverse range of artists, including Harry Connick Jr., Branford Marsalis, Diana Krall, Ron Carter, George Benson, Sonny Rollins, Aretha Franklin, Earth, Wind, and Fire, George Duke, Lizzo, Christina Aguilera, and a multitude of others.

Throughout his remarkable career, Russell released 16 albums, leaving an indelible mark on the world of jazz and beyond. His performances brought joy and inspiration to audiences across the globe, and his legacy will continue to resonate in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to experience his music. In addition to performing and recording, Russell also found his second calling as a music professor. At the time of his passing, he was a part of the music faculty at William Paterson University, located in Wayne, New Jersey. 

Even after falling ill, Russell refused to ever stop creating music and performing for the fans whom he adored. As his health took a sharp decline in recent years, he continued to record, perform, and teach, because music was what he loved most. Our father always put others before himself and made a point to present his best self through his music, because he understood that was his everlasting legacy.

Russell departed this life in Tokyo, Japan after doing what he loved most—sharing his music with the world. While we are heartbroken and truly devastated by his loss, we find comfort in knowing that his spirit lives on through his music and the countless lives he touched.

We sincerely appreciate and are deeply touched by the outpour of love, support, thoughts, and prayers shown to our family during this difficult time as we mourn the loss of our father, brother, son, mentor, and friend.

With humble gratitude,

Darius L. Malone and Marla V. Malone

The Malone/Jones Family