Ahmad Jamal Wife: Meet Laura Hess-Hay

Laura Hess-Hay was the wife of Ahmad Jamal a highly acclaimed American jazz pianist, composer, and bandleader who was active in the music industry for over six decades.

Laura Hess-Hay is the owner of Ellora Management Inc. a Lakeville, Connecticut-based company which provides diversified music and related services to jazz artists.

Laura Hess-Hay has considerable talent management experience. She is skilled in Music Publishing, audio engineering, record Labels and Music Licensing.

She attended the University of Miami. Laura Hess-Hay was the manager of her husband Ahmad Jamal until his death.

Ahmad Jamal passed away in Ashley Falls, Mass., after a battle with prostate cancer on April 16 2023, at the age of 92.

Ahmad Jamal began playing the piano at a young age. In 1951, he formed his own band and, with the help of John Hammond, began his recording career with Okeh Records. His career lasted over six decades and resulted in one of the most successful instrumental recordings in history.

Jamal’s numerous awards are listed on AhmadJamal.com, including: Grammy Lifetime Achievement 2017, The NEA Masters Award, Kennedy Centre Legend Award, French Government Awards, Malaysian Awards, Doctor of Music, Honoris Causa, New England Conservatory, and Doctor of Music, Honoris Causa, New England Conservatory.