Ahmad Jamal (1930–2023) was an American jazz pianist, composer, and bandleader celebrated for his masterful use of space, rhythm, and dynamics. Rising to prominence in the 1950s, he influenced generations of musicians, including Miles Davis, with his elegant phrasing and understated intensity. Jamal’s groundbreaking recordings, such as *At the Pershing: But Not for Me*, showcased his innovative trio interplay and refined sense of swing. Over a career spanning seven decades, he became a National Endowment for the Arts Jazz Master and a defining voice in modern jazz.