Ronny Jordan, a British guitarist and one of the pioneers of the acid jazz movement, passed away on 13 January 2014 at the age of 51. His death was announced by his brother and sister through a tribute page on Facebook, but the cause of his death was not disclosed. According to BBC News, his body was found at home several days after his return from an overseas tour in South Africa. An autopsy was performed which although inconclusive, confirmed there was no foul play or injury involved.
Who Was Ronny Jordan?
Ronny Jordan was born Robert Laurence Albert Simpson in London, England on 29 November 1962. He started playing guitar at the age of 11 and was influenced by jazz, funk, soul and hip-hop music. He described his music as “urban jazz”, a blend of jazz, hip-hop and R&B.
He came to prominence after being featured on Guru’s Jazzmatazz, Vol. 1, released in 1993. He was also one of the artists whose recordings are featured on Stolen Moments: Red Hot + Cool, a compilation album released in 1994 to benefit the Red Hot Organization.
Following 1992’s The Antidote, his recordings featured on the Billboard charts, especially his acid-jazz Miles Davis cover of “So What”, which was a worldwide hit. He was also the recipient of The MOBO Best Jazz Act Award and the Gibson Guitar Best Jazz Guitarist Award. His 2000 release, A Brighter Day, was nominated for the Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Jazz Album.
What Was His Legacy?
Ronny Jordan was widely regarded as one of the most innovative and influential jazz guitarists of his generation. He brought jazz to the dancefloor and introduced it to a younger and wider audience. He collaborated with many artists from different genres, such as Mos Def, DJ Krush, Brandy and Jonathan Butler.
His song “The Jackal” (from his 1993 album The Quiet Revolution) gained prominence when actress Allison Janney in the role of C. J. Cregg lip-synched it in an episode of hit US drama The West Wing. She also did so on Arsenio Hall’s television show in September 2013.
He spent his career performing extensively all over the world and headlined a number of jazz festivals. He was admired by his fans and peers for his skill, versatility and creativity.
How Did His Fans React?
Ronny Jordan’s death shocked and saddened many people who loved his music and appreciated his contribution to jazz. His brother and sister thanked everyone for their condolences and support on Facebook. They said that funeral arrangements for the musician would be announced in due course.
Many tributes poured in from fellow musicians, celebrities and fans on social media. DJ Gilles Peterson paid tribute to Jordan’s track “So What” on Twitter, saying it was a “surefire winner” on the dancefloor at London nightclub The Fridge “back in the day”. Singer Erykah Badu tweeted: “Rest in power Ronny Jordan”. Actor Wendell Pierce wrote: “RIP Ronny Jordan. A great musician who brought a new voice to jazz guitar”.
Ronny Jordan’s cause of death may remain a mystery, but his music will live on as a testament to his talent and passion. He will be remembered as a jazz legend who broke boundaries and inspired generations.
