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This project was made possible by funding through the Canadian Culture Online Strategy and the Heritage Policy Branch of the Department of Canadian Heritage.

Canadian Heritage

Ahmad Jamal

Biography

AHMAD JAMAL (pianist, composer, bandleader) was born July 2, 1930 in Pittsburgh, PA. A child prodigy, the innovative Jamal is reported to be have been one of Miles Davis’ favourite pianists –Davis claiming that all of his inspiration came from Ahmad Jamal. Fond of working in trio formats, Jamal first began touring with the George Hudson Orchestra. His best known work “Poinciana” first appeared on his “But Not for Me” live album in 1957 with his trio, staying on the 10 best sellers chart for 108 weeks. Randy Weston, Keith Jarrett and Gary Peacock cite Jamal as a major influence. Jamal received the National Endowment for the Arts Jazz Master in 1994.