AHMAD JAMAL
1930 - 2023
THE END OF AN ERA
As Ahmad Jamal’s former wife and my office, Ellora Management Inc., his Music Management Office for 43 years, his passing has left us with deep sadness. Words are just not adequate at this time.
I want to thank everyone that has become a part of our family.
Thank you to all of the wonderful promoters that we have worked with both here in the US and Internationally over all of these past amazing years. Thank you for the respect that you have shown to us and to AHMAD JAMAL. You have helped keep his light bright and we are filled with gratitude.
And thank you to our beloved family at Steinway. My goodness! Over 43 years with me and even longer with Ahmad. We both have treasured our years with you and you will always remain part of our family.
And to you, Maurice Montoya, I cannot thank you enough for all of the respect and love that you have shown Ahmad over the years. You have been his booking agent for over 3 decades both Internationally and in the US. Thank You!
And thank you to all of you musicians, who have worked with Ahmad over the years. Thank you for caring for him, laughing with him, being loyal to him, staying in touch with him until the end, and for most importantly loving him. He sincerely loved all of you and held you in deep respect. And, yes, James Cammack, you always gave him something to laugh about. He cared for you very much.
And to the very special Herlin Riley, who has been Ahmad’s Drummer, forever, and both of our friend on so many journeys. Thank you! He loved you, Herlin, and so do I.
Manola Badrena, the very magnificent percussionist, we both appreciated your loyalty, caring, love, and that music coming from your soul!
Also; Dave Bowler, James Johnson and Yoron Israel, Dallas Smith, Susan Mazer and Teja Bell. All of you have given us both so many lovely and happy memories.
Zev Feldman, just in time you arrived on the scene. Bless you and your wonderful project. You made Ahmad happy and he was so proud of what you brought forward and released to the world.
And Andrew, I can’t thank you enough for all you did for Ahmad over the years. I appreciate the support you always gave Ahmad and I am sure that he did as well.
So everyone, let us keep enjoying the beautiful music he left behind! His music was his world and he sacrificed so very much to leave it with us.