Jesse Malin Recovering from Rare Spinal Stroke

Singer/Songwriter Paralyzed Since May 4

Earlier today, it was widely reported that Jesse Malin, a deservedly acclaimed singer/songwriter, suffered a spinal stroke on May 4. He has been paralyzed from the waist down ever since. He is only fifty-six.

Malin was dining with friends in Manhattan, commemorating the anniversary of the death of his D Generation bandmate Howie Pyro. He suddenly felt a sharp pain in his back and collapsed to the floor, bewildered. After being carried to a nearby apartment building and subsequently being transported by ambulance to Mount Sinai Hospital, he has been recovering at a New York University rehabilitation center. This jambands.com article has more details.

Like many of the world’s best artists, Malin needs financial assistance to pay for his recovery, including a new apartment compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

In interviews, Malin exemplifies the resilience and optimism of some of his best songs. He is known for his “PMA”—positive mental attitude—and encouraging others to adopt the same attitude. (He has written “PMA” next to his signature while signing multiple CDs and setlists for me.) As I wrote in my review of his recent hometown concert at New York’s Webster Hall, his songs are usually about positive transformative beginnings (including those on his misinterpreted debut The Fine Art of Self Destruction). He hopes to walk and perform again. If anyone can recover from this, it is Jesse Malin.

Consider purchasing his exemplary albums to help his recovery effort. If you’re interested in donating, click here.

Best wishes, Jesse, and thank you.