shape." When asked about going to the doctor, Kirkland responded, "After the session. If I go now, they'll make me check into a hospital." On June 4, doctors told Kirkland he had a congestive heart condition that required an operation. He attributed his poor health to twenty years of touring without adequate vacations and exercise, and deemed his chances of surviving any surgery 50/50 or less. Fearful of having a cardiac procedure, Kirkland accepted his fate and was soon on the road with Branford Marsalis again. On November 7, 1998, Kirkland attended Marsalis's wedding in New Rochelle, New York. Kirkland was found dead in his Queens apartment on Friday, November 13, 1998. The official doctor's report listed his death as due to congestive heart failure. He was survived by his mother, brother and two sisters. Philosophy In a video interview with Sting published on Aug 29, 2020 as part of the Doctone Project, Sting relates about Kirkland’s playing philosophy as follows: “I learned a lot from him—that way of approaching harmony where there are no wrong notes, just the note that you follow with... there are no mistakes in a Kenny Kirkland solo. What you think is wrong momentarily is suddenly put right by a choice, so that philosophy was something I learned at his feet... You can bring that into life, too. We all make mistakes, [but] it’s how we cope with them or how we react next, so that for me is the essence of jazz. You take a risk and you’re rewarded by your subsequent choices.” Discography As leader Kenny Kirkland (GRP, 1991) As sideman With Chico Freeman Peaceful Heart, Gentle Spirit (Contemporary, 1980) The Pied Piper (BlackHawk, 1986) – recorded in 1984 With Kenny Garrett Black Hope (Warner Bros., 1992) Songbook (Warner Bros., 1997) With Dizzy Gillespie Closer to the Source (Atlantic, 1984) New Faces (GRP, 1985) With Elvin Jones Earth Jones (Palo Alto, 1982) Brother John (Palo Alto, 1984) – recorded in 1982 With Rodney Jones Articulation' (Timeless Muse, 1979) Dreams and Stories' (Savant, 2005) With Branford Marsalis Scenes in the City (Columbia,1983) Royal Garden Blues (CBS, 1986) Renaissance (Columbia, 1987) Random Abstract (CBS, 1987) Crazy People Music (Sony Music, 1990) Mo' Better Blues Soundtrack (Sony Music, 1990) I Heard You Twice the First Time (Sony Music, 1992) Requiem (Sony Music, 1999) With Wynton Marsalis Wynton Marsalis (Columbia, 1982) – recorded in 1981 Think of