Russell Malone

1963 - 2024

Russell Malone obituary, 1963-2024

Russell Malone

1963 - 2024

BORN

1963

DIED

2024

Russell Malone Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers from Aug. 26 to Aug. 27, 2024.

Russell Malone was an acclaimed jazz guitarist who has worked with noted artists such as Harry Connick Jr., Wynton Marsalis, Diana Krall, and many others.

We invite you to share condolences for Russell Malone in our Guest Book.

Read the full obituary in Legacy's headline news section.

(Photo: Douglas Mason/Getty Images)

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January 19, 2025

Deelee Dubé posted to the memorial.

November 8, 2024

Claire Whitaker CBE posted to the memorial.

September 26, 2024

Fred Politinsky posted to the memorial.

23 Entries

Deelee Dubé

January 19, 2025

Russell Malone and I first met when I was in New York City recording my debut album and embarking on my first US tour, and we spoke for the first time on the day before Independence Day. He was professional, friendly, humble, and full of humor and wit as we discussed logistics for the rehearsals and recording sessions in the days ahead. We met at Michiko Rehearsal Studios in NYC and had a fantastic rehearsal, followed by the 'Trying Times' album recording sessions at Systems Two Recording Studios in Brooklyn. He was an absolute breeze to perform with, record alongside, and make music with, and he was always caring, thoughtful, and sympathetic. I'll always remember how open and honest he was, as he never held back or sugar-coated anything unnecessarily. He was extremely funny and full of great stories, wisdom, and anecdotes, which I was always eager to learn about. Ultimately, Russell was a good friend of mine and an incredible musician whom I will sorely miss, but I have such great memories and music with Russell that I will forever treasure.

With love

~ Deelee Dubé

Claire Whitaker CBE

November 8, 2024

I worked with Russell many times in the UK and we became friends. I will remember is warmth, humour and dedication to the guitar. A phenomenal talent and a lovely human. RIP my friend

Claire Whitaker

Fred Politinsky

September 26, 2024

Russell Malone was one of the nicest persons I have ever met.

Joyce Malone

September 9, 2024

My dearest Russell. I miss you so much! I miss our conversations, the phone calls, the pranks, and the nuggets of wisdom you have given me down through the years. I'm inspired to continue to live my life by the example you gave. You loved everyone, great and small, and went out of your way to make each one feel special and important. That's just the way you were. I'm beyond proud to call you cousin and most of all my brother. Love you forever, Cousin Joyce Malone

Cheryl Griffin

September 8, 2024

What an amazing talent Mr.Malone was. So very sorry he has passed on. I will continue to listen to his beautiful gift of music he has blessed us all with. My sincere condolences to his family and friends, may he rest in heavenly peace.❤

James Cooper

September 5, 2024

So glad I got to see Mr. Malone at the jazz showcase in Chicago and he took time to speak with me and sign the jazz book I had with me. One of the last of the great guitarists. He will be missed dearly!! Rest in peace until the time appointed.

Horace and Sophia

September 4, 2024

Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.

E R

September 3, 2024

The Malone family and friends have my deepest sympathy during this time of grief and sorrow. May Almighty God ( Psalm 83:18) give you all the strength to cope in the coming days, months, and years.

Juedienne Gordon

August 30, 2024

My buddy..

Cyril Darribere

August 29, 2024

I saw Russell several times live in Zurich and here in NYC. Always impressed by his guitar skills and also his style. A very classy gentleman. I saw him having dinner with his wife a few weeks (or month) before his set at Smoke on Broadway and 105th st. I will miss his music deeply. RIP Russell.

Catherine

August 28, 2024

I met Russell many years ago the night that he and Bucky Pizzarelli played at Shanghai Jazz in NJ. He had a beautiful sound to his playing, and I've followed him since.
It´s such a tragedy that he left us so soon. My condolences to the family and loved ones of this very gifted young soul. RIP

Joan Bansen

August 28, 2024

I could not put into words, here, what I wrote on my fb page about Russell...but I feel his loss very deeply & I wish I'd spoken to him (& seen him than I last did. He will be missed, by SO many (especially by those who knew him a long time) His music lives on...but I know he's playing with the other Masters, right now...Wes, Les, Bucky, BB, Albert...and SO many more!❤ My deep condolences & prayersto his family and children (Darius & Marla) Rest in Peace & Love, Russell!

Carnell Angel

August 28, 2024

Thank you for being a part of the soundtrack of my life. Praying for the family. ❤

Claudia Acuna

August 28, 2024

I have many memories with Russell, my friend and I meet in the 90´s ,and we were in the same label ( verve) touring , laughing . 9/11 happen , we got stuck somewhere as we we´re on a plane coming back to New York. We were redirected somewhere in Salt Lake City and we spent two days dealing with what´s going on in our friendship became a brotherhood sisterhood. I became his little sister and he became my dear brother so many more stories jokes his phone calls his friendship. We played music, record ... you will be missed my friend

Joy Topping-Mann

August 28, 2024

Rest in Heavenly peace.

Whitney Marchelle

August 27, 2024

Russel I met you in Georgia then we would go to shiela anderson jazz parties in nyc and you strung my guitar. Then you scared me with those crazy teeth and we laughed. You had the best jokes. And the swinginist guitar and loving personality. With a tender phrasing on it your axe. Thankyou for your friend ship and love of music and jazz..we miss you. Condolences to your family and lived ones. From whitney marchelle

George Kaye

August 27, 2024

I had the joy and honor to work a few gigs with Russell with Houston Person in the late 90s. What a wonderful and fun experience. I'm also a fan and student of Ron Carter's and have enjoyed a number of his performances with Ron. I'm 13 years his senior so what a shock it was when Ron announced his passing.

I extend my sympathies to his family and all that knew Russell. Rest in Music, Russell, Rest in Music.

Elizabeth Bell

August 26, 2024

RIP Russell

August 26, 2024

821

John Vojtisek

August 26, 2024

Just listened to Russell on Christian McBrides show over the weekend. Amazing talent and humanitarian. My sincere condolences to his family.

Robert Monroe

August 26, 2024

Although I never met Russell Malone, his beautiful sound impressed me the first time I heard him play. Music, especially the jazz that I love so much, is, first of all, about sounds. Whether it was Johnny Hodges or Paul Desmond; Ben Webster or John Coltrane; Chet Baker or Miles Davis, it has always been the sound of an instrument that attracted me. It is amazing how musicians playing the same instrument can sound so different. Malone was with Diana Krall when I first heard him, at a jazz festival in Sarasota, Florida. It is so sad to learn of his passing at such a young age. He joins Clifford Brown and Fats Navarro and Charlie Parker and Bill Evans and Sir Roland Hanna and too many others who left us all too soon.

Paul McIlroy

August 26, 2024

I am more than sorry to hear of Mr. Malone's sudden passing. It was a complete shock as he was in the middle of a tour with Ron Carter and Donald Vega (The Golden Striker Trio) in Japan. May he rest in peace in jazz heaven. You will be greatly missed sir. :(((((

Sandy Stewart

August 26, 2024

Your smile always lit up every room you walked into... I miss the big hug I always got when we saw each other
And when you told me how happy you were with your beautiful lady love... it truly touched my heart
And of course, the gorgeous music that you gave to us....how terribly sad for your students at William Patterson University... How they looked forward to sharing your knowledge and your beautiful music

You are irreplaceable and you left us much too soon.
Always your forever friend,
Sandy Stewart

Showing 1 - 23 of 23 results

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Sign Russell Malone's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

January 19, 2025

Deelee Dubé posted to the memorial.

November 8, 2024

Claire Whitaker CBE posted to the memorial.

September 26, 2024

Fred Politinsky posted to the memorial.