George-Duke-Obituary

George Duke

Obituary

NEW YORK (AP) — A representative says Grammy-winning jazz keyboardist and producer George Duke, whose sound infused acoustic jazz, electronic jazz, funk, R&B and soul, has died. He was 67.

The representative said Duke died Monday night in Los Angeles. He was being treated for chronic lymphocytic leukemia.

During his 40-year-plus career, Duke appeared on a number of Frank Zappa's albums and played in the Don Ellis Orchestra and Cannonball Adderley's band. He played keyboard on Michael Jackson's multiplatinum 1979 album, "Off the Wall," and was a producer for Miles Davis, Smokey Robinson, Gladys Knight, Dionne Warwick and Natalie Cole.

He also released more than 30 solo albums.

Duke began taking piano lessons when he was 4 years old, after seeing Duke Ellington perform.

"I don't remember it too well ... but my mother told me I went crazy," Duke said on his website. "I ran around saying, 'Get me a piano, get me a piano!'"

Duke's son, Rashid, thanked his father's fans in a statement Tuesday.

"The outpouring of love and support that we have received from my father's friends, fans and the entire music community has been overwhelming," he said.

Duke's wife, Corine, died from cancer last year. He was unable to make music for months, but he overcame his grief to create the album "DreamWeaver," released last month. It features a fusion of sounds and a tribute to his late wife on the romantic piano-driven ballad "Missing You."

MESFIN FEKADU, AP Music Writer




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Tonight as I listen to Illusions, No greater love, I am moved to tears. The absolute best CD I have ever owned in all genres is Snapshot. I miss George Duke like I miss breath in my lungs and notes in a song. May God bless his soul. To his beloved wife and family...he was the most brilliant artist ever. Peace and RIP Mr. Duke

God is a God of all Comfort and he will Comfort the family's....My condolence...

God is a God of all Comfort and he will Comfort the Family's...My condolences...

Besides the wonderful music you gave us you left my two sons, nephew and myself a beautiful memory. You once performed at a free concert in Oakland,CA. My sister and I was so involved in your music, not realizing our young sons had slipped out of sight until we saw them on stage with you! How kind were you to let them dance to the music when security and myself tried to get them. You said let them dance and they did. RIP

A Great Contributor to "Music and Life". Be at Peace , and keep the music playing for our Ancestors.

I started listening to George when I was in my early 20's. I loved listening to George's fingers go on that piano. Mr. Duke you will be missed. I will continue playing your music and remember you always. God bless...

I know George is playing a harp in heaven. I love George Duke, I grew up listening to him. All I can say is well done Mr.Duke! God blessed you for sure. J. Parker