R.I.P. Russell Malone

Noted guitarist Russell Malone passed away at age 60 on Friday (August 23). Malone was part of Ron Carter’s Golden Striker Trio, which was touring Japan this week. (Malone was last in Denver in 2023 with Ron Carter, and Malone was scheduled to play in September at Dazzle.)

Condolences and warm memories are pouring into Malone’s Facebook page. Vocalist Sheryl Renee, a 30-year friend, wrote: “This man was caring, funny and gifted beyond measure.” Saxophonist Eric Person wrote, “He was a fantastic musician, who will be remembered and missed.” Longtime collaborator Ron Carter simply posted a portrait of the two in a loving embrace.

A self-taught player, Malone played with master organist Jimmy Smith when he was 25. He went on to join Harry Connick Jr.’s orchestra, and other accompaniments included Clarence Carter, Little Anthony, Peabo Bryson, Mulgrew Miller, Kenny Barron, Roy Hargrove, Branford and Wynton Marsalis, The Winans, Eddie “Cleanhead” Vinson, Bucky Pizzarelli, and Jack McDuff. Other collaborators included Diana Krall, Gladys Knight, Aretha Franklin, B.B. King, Natalie Cole, David Sanborn, Shirley Horn, Christina Aguilera, and Sonny Rollins.

Malone’s self-titled debut, Russell Malone (Columbia, 1992) quickly went to #1 on the radio charts. His discography has 16 albums on Columbia, Impulse!, Verve, Telarc, Maxjazz, and HighNote labels, plus hundreds of sideman credits.

Photos: this page-Facebook/Ron Carter Music
Homepage photo: Allen Morrison.com/Catching up with Russell Malone

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