Accompanying Jimmy Smith, Ray Brown, Harry Connick Jr. and Diana Krall, Russell
Malone has built a reputation as a jazz guitarist known for his agile playing
and rich sound. Born in Albany, Georgia, on November 8, 1963, he began playing
guitar at the age of four and had his first musical experiences in church,
listening to records by Sam Cooke and The Dixie Hummingbirds. Later, he was
greatly influenced by George Benson, whom he saw playing on television with
Benny Goodman. He taught himself to play largely, but is quick to acknowledge
the influence and inspiration of the many mu...