Jun 9, 2026 10:54 AM
In Memoriam: James Blood Ulmer, 1940–2026
With deep sorrow and profound love, we announce the passing of James Blood Ulmer, a boldly innovative guitarist,…
Hilton Ruiz died on June 6 in New Orleans after falling into a coma two weeks ago. He was 54.
The New York-born pianist had studied classical, jazz and Latin music as a child. While he worked with the city’s Latin and soul bands as a teenager, Ruiz had also been a sideman for Frank Foster, Joe Newman and Freddie Hubbard by the time he was in his early twenties. He would go on to form lasting collaborations with Rahsaan Roland Kirk, Tito Puente, Ismael Rivera and many others.
Ruiz’s own recordings as a leader include El Camino , A Moment’s Notice and Tribute To Puente .
To the world, James Blood Ulmer was a legend, a visionary and a musical force whose sound was distinctive and unique. To his family, he was their teacher, their storyteller and a source of strength.
Jun 9, 2026 10:54 AM
With deep sorrow and profound love, we announce the passing of James Blood Ulmer, a boldly innovative guitarist,…
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