The music world is mourning the loss of Ralph Towner (March 1, 1940 – January 18, 2026), the celebrated American multi-instrumentalist, composer, and bandleader whose innovative work reshaped modern jazz and acoustic music. Towner, who died at the age of 85 in Rome, Italy, passed away surrounded by family after a life richly lived in service to artistic expression and musical discovery.
Born in Chehalis, Washington, Towner grew up in a musical household and pursued formal training in piano and composition. Early in his career, he gravitated toward guitar and quickly gained recognition for his distinctive approach blending classical technique, jazz improvisation, and world-music sensibilities. His mastery of the 12-string and classical guitar, combined with his ability to weave multiple instruments—piano, synthesizer, percussion, trumpet, and French horn into his works, set him apart as a uniquely versatile and expressive artist.
Towner was best known as a co-founder of the pioneering jazz ensemble Oregon, formed in 1970, where his compositional voice helped define the group’s ethereal, genre-defying sound. In addition to his work with Oregon, he maintained a remarkable solo career, recording numerous critically acclaimed albums for the prestigious ECM Records label. His music drew on a broad emotional spectrum, from introspective solo pieces to richly layered ensemble compositions that bridged musical cultures and traditions.
Throughout his decades-long career, Towner collaborated with many jazz greats and left a lasting legacy of innovation. He was revered not only for his technical brilliance but also for his profound musical sensitivity and humility. Fans and fellow musicians alike celebrated his ability to express deep feeling through sound, whether in intimate solo performances or expansive group work.
Towner’s passing marks the end of an era in acoustic jazz and improvisational music. He is survived by his family and countless admirers around the world who were touched by his artistry. His influence on guitarists and composers will endure for generations.