On July 12 2026, Dr. George Jimmy Zack died at the age of 90.

Born on July 8, 1936, in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, Zack received a Bachelor of Music at Wichita State University in 1958 focusing on theory and composition and graduating cum laude. He completed a Master of Music at the University of Michigan in 1960 studying theory and viola.

He later received his PhD in Music and Medieval Art History at Florida State University in 1972 and began his professional career in 1964 when he became the conductor and music director of the Hiram College Orchestra in Hiram, Ohio. During that time, Zack also became the conductor and music director for the Warren Chamber Orchestra in Ohio, a position he would hold until 1999.

In 1972, Zack became the Music Director and conductor of Kentucky’s Lexington Philharmonic Orchestra, where he would remain until 2009. Once retired, he was honored as the Lexington Philharmonic Music Director Emeritus & Conductor Laureate.

The conductor was also a recognized educator, and advocate for the arts and served as interim conductor of the Central Kentucky Youth Orchestra, provided artistic leadership for All-State Orchestras in Kentucky, Ohio, and New York, and held memberships in the American Symphony Orchestra League, the Conductors Guild, and the American Federation of Musicians.

For his contributions to music Zack was honored with the Kentucky Governor’s Award for Lifetime Achievement in the Arts, the Hellenic Ideals Award, the Kentucky Arts Council’s Lifetime Achievement Award, the National Conference for Community and Justice Lauren Weinberg Humanitarian Award, the Happy Chandler Distinguished Artist Award, and the Lexington Optimist Club Cup for community service.