Latin Jazz Pianist Hilton Ruiz in a Coma

New Orleans (Louisiana), USA - Latin Jazz Pianist Hilton Ruiz is in the intensive care unit of East Jefferson General Hospital in New Orleans in a coma. He has been in the hospital since May 19. The New Orleans Police Department's investigations have concluded that it was an accident, even though unconfirmed rumors claimed he was attacked near the popular Bourbon Street, in the French quarter.

\"Mr. Ruiz was on Bourbon Street and stumbled while walking across the street, hitting his face on the side of the curb,\" New Orleans Police Department spokeswoman Bambi Hall said. Hilton Ruiz collapsed, was taken in an ambulance to the hospital and, on route, he had cardiac arrest. His medical condition is extremely serious.

On Wednesday, May 17, Ruiz had just finished a recording in New York City, to benefit the musicians and people of New Orleans, who had suffered from the effects of Hurricane Katrina last year. He then flew down to New Orleans to make radio and television interviews promoting a pending CD showcasing New Orleans music.

There is an urgent appeal for financial assistance from the family of pianist Hilton Ruiz who remains in a coma in a New Orleans hospital. money can be wired to the below bank account. Aida Ruiz requests that people call her when they have sent something so she will know that it's there.

Aida Ruiz
Chase Bank
ACCT #: 711211359
ROUTING # 065400137
Her Phone # 201-925-6416 (leave message if she doesn't answer)

Born in New York City on May 29, 1952, Ruiz was somewhat of a child prodigy, appearing on the Sandy Becker television show, performing at Carnegie Recital Hall at the age of eight, and playing in an accordion symphony at nine. Well-trained in all areas, he studied classical piano as well as Latin and received jazz guidance from the great Mary Lou Williams. \"I was pretty lucky,\" he says, \"in being exposed to a lot of different kinds of music, and studying them with good teachers.\"

By his early teens, Ruiz was working with a variety of Latin soul bands and, at age 14, recorded with a group called Ray Jay and the East Siders. But jazz was always close to his heart, and his obviously superlative improvisational skills quickly opened doors.

Before he was twenty, Ruiz had worked with Frank Foster, Joe Newman, Cal Massey, Freddie Hubbard and Joe Henderson—an impressive list for an established player, a remarkable list for a relative newcomer.