Akiko Tsuruga (敦賀明子, Tsuruga Akiko) was a celebrated jazz composer, pianist, and Hammond B-3 organist whose vibrant artistry left a lasting mark on the global jazz community. Born in Osaka, Japan, she discovered her love for music at a very young age. Recognizing her talent, her parents gifted her a small organ when she was just three years old, setting her on a lifelong path of musical exploration. From those early days, Akiko developed a passion for standards and quickly began mastering the expressive potential of her instrument.
During her high school years, she immersed herself in the sounds of iconic Hammond B-3 players, including Jimmy Smith, Charles Earland, Jack McDuff, Jimmy McGriff, and Dr. Lonnie Smith. Their innovative styles and soulful improvisations profoundly influenced her playing, shaping her approach to jazz and her command of the organ. Akiko’s dedication to music led her to the Osaka College of Music, where she refined her skills and deepened her understanding of jazz theory and performance.
In 2001, Akiko moved to New York City, immersing herself in one of the world’s most vibrant jazz scenes. This move opened doors to collaboration with some of the finest musicians, allowing her to further cultivate her distinctive style. She also studied under her mentor, Lonnie Smith, whose guidance enriched her improvisational skills and strengthened her connection to the jazz tradition.
Throughout her career, Akiko was renowned both as a solo artist and as a sought-after sideman. She performed with a variety of groups across New York, demonstrating remarkable versatility and soulful expression. From 2007 onward, she accompanied the legendary saxophonist Lou Donaldson, blending her dynamic organ playing seamlessly with his performances. Her ability to complement and elevate fellow musicians made her a respected and admired figure in the jazz community.
Akiko’s music was defined by its warmth, emotional depth, and rhythmic vitality, qualities that resonated with audiences worldwide. Beyond her performances, she inspired countless young musicians in Japan and beyond, leaving a legacy of creativity, dedication, and passion.
Following a bout of illness, Akiko Tsuruga passed away on September 13, 2025. Her passing is mourned by family, friends, colleagues, and fans, all of whom remember her talent, humility, and indomitable spirit. Her influence as a pioneering jazz organist and composer endures, and her soulful sound continues to inspire and uplift those who experienced her remarkable artistry.
