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George Duke Obituary
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
Copyright © 2013 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Memories and Condolences
for George Duke
350 Entries
Jackie
April 14, 2025
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
AG
August 17, 2024
I spent many an evening listening the music George Duke put so much of himself into & I cried when he lost the love of his life & now I am about to listen to his tribute to his love " Missing You" as I'm missing my baby brother, my heart, Loving him forever
Mikki Harris-Douglas
August 12, 2024
It´s hard to believe that you´ve been gone for 11 years... thank you for the beautiful music and a wonderful concerts. Though it´s difficult to pick my favorite George Duke masterpiece, I´ll give you my top three - " Say That You Will", "The Simple Things" and "No Rhyme No Reason". Love you always Sir!
Fannietra Bernice Donald
May 21, 2023
Fannietra Bernice Donald
May 21, 2023
Fannietra Bernice Donald
May 21, 2023
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
November 8, 2019
God is a God of all Comfort and he will Comfort the family's....My condolence...
October 31, 2019
God is a God of all Comfort and he will Comfort the Family's...My condolences...
Lomoki Lawson
July 15, 2019
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
Clyde Carter
June 7, 2019
A Great Contributor to "Music and Life". Be at Peace , and keep the music playing for our Ancestors.
Elsie Santiago
July 31, 2018
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...
J Parker
May 1, 2018
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
Barry Hilson
March 6, 2018
George Duke was the greatest producer I love his work I still play as music everyday just about he surely will be missed do people ever do a tribute to artists no more thank you George Duke rest in peace
DARIUS TRIPP
November 15, 2017
loved his music. we"ve lost one of the great ones that can never be replaced. take your rest george and go with the angels.
Valenda Newell
June 27, 2016
Everyone I know has experienced you in concert or listens to your music playing old school CD's, I've done both. GEORGE you changed the world with your music...Thanks for sharing your gift....RIP
Yram Hossoo
June 16, 2016
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
TH
December 24, 2015
To the Duke Family, My heartfelt prayers continue to go out for all the families and friends of such an acclaimed and loved person. May the God of all comfort be with you as we await the promises of Isa 65:19 for everyone - "No more will there be heard in her the sound of weeping or a cry of distress.
Rev. Dr. Claude E. Wilson, Jr.
November 27, 2015
George, you will forever be my inspiration... Miss you so much...
Sandra Lee
August 5, 2015
Can't believe it's been two years since the passing of the great George Duke. Think I'll put Dreamweaver on.
June 20, 2015
Thank You "SIR GEORGE DUKE"!
I MET YOU AT THE LIGHTHOUSE IN HERMOSA BEACH DURING THE TIME OF "THE AURA WILL PREVAIL ALBUM"
AND YOU TOLD ME MUSIC IS LIKE GUMBO!
YOU GET MUSICIANS TOGATHER GOOD OR BAD AND TURN IT BETTER THAN THE ORIGINAL STARTING POINT THROUGH EXPRESSIONS FEELING THROUGH YOUR PLAYING !
AS A BASS PLAYER YOUR MUSIC HAS EXPANDED MY CONCEPT TO EXCEPT ALL STYLES OF MUSIC AND APPRECIATE UNIVERSAL CREATIONS FROM THE MOST HIGHEST !
"THE DARTMAN"
D'ARTAGNON KENNETH DENT
Rosagene Nabors
October 23, 2014
Memory lane ....takes us back to an AMAZING little boy...who asked his mother..."for one of those...soon he mastered ...one of those...one of those PIANOS" and other INSTRUMENTS too. As time went by GEORGE DUKE took many of his dreams full of music ... to other PHENOMENAL levels.
THANK YOU ...GEORGE DUKE for sweet memories..REST IN PEACE....as you join your precious wife CORINE.
Prayers of comfort and peace of mind are sent to his family and friends. Rosagene Owens Nabors and family
Dianne Richardson
September 6, 2014
Just trippin on the memories ...
Thank you George for being part of the soundtrack of my life. Rest in peace.
John Shiffer
May 30, 2014
You took me in and taught me responsibility to family, to work hard and never quit, to be humble when praised for a good job, you showed me how be kind in the face of ignorance and cruelty, that friends are family, and music connects the hearts and minds of people all over the world. Until we see each other again Pops.
Reuben Proctor
May 1, 2014
I discovered George on the Over Night Sensation Album of Frank Zappa in 74'. From that point on, I seek out his music like a bloodhound. After joing the Military, I was in a record shop in Germany, and discovered FEEL. When I came back home to Dallas, George and Billy Cobham had collaborarated On Live in Euorpe which I caught the Live show at The Agora Ballroom. When I heard he and Al Jarreau were playting the Dallas Convention Center in 2005 along with Rochelle Farrell, we danced in the isles while George played Dukey Stick on that keyboard that looks like a guitar. Rashid, I love that song also your father named for you, off of the Feel CD. He was a happy loving music man, who brings me still hours of listening joy. Thank God he created George Duke, for George was such a genius creator himself!
Reuben
Nazarene Mckinney
April 30, 2014
Thank you for giving us your beautiful music to caress our hearts. No Rhyme, No Reason was my favorite song. I will always remember you. May the Duke family find comfort in the words of Jesus Christ who loves us all.
Steve Cortez
February 24, 2014
I had the pleasure of taking my nine yr old son to see Mr. Duke on June 22nd in Sacramento. He had a ball dancing and moving his bad self to the wonderful sounds. You will be missed. I will cherish that special night with my some but also with you Mr. Duke. Thank You for your awsome music. God Bless....
Smoke
February 22, 2014
Sad you are gone but your music will live on. RIP Sir Duke.
Richard Reyes
February 8, 2014
Wow Duke, you still live in your music.. Your missed by the millions of fans, friends and your boys and family.. But your now with your beautiful Corine .. God Bless you both ...
Ricardo Mejia
January 7, 2014
Grande, tu música me reconfortó durante la guerra civil en El Salvador. Se que estás junto a nuestro Dios.
mii Austine
January 3, 2014
He will be greatly miss. Rip Mr duke
Yvette Collins-Allman (nee-Myers)
December 31, 2013
Your music got us through so many study nights in College. The love of your music bought my college sweet heart and I together in matrimony. We played your music at our wedding. A great loss to the music community.
Duane Goins
December 28, 2013
George your music was an inspiration my life ever since I was a child I've always loved your 1979 classic "I Want You for Myself"; and many others. We will see each other in heaven with our lord Jesus Christ: along with your two sons and dear wife that passed before . May Jesus comfort your family. Duane Goins Randallstown , MD
Eric Spring
December 26, 2013
George, we will deeply miss you and your music. You were an inspiration for me, my wife Marcia and a great number of our friends. We love you!
Glenn Jones
December 5, 2013
God Bless George Duke. I was a huge fan but never saw him in person.
victor checketts
November 21, 2013
very saddened to hear about the loss of George Duke another jazz legend of the keyboard he may be gone but thank god we have his great music to remember him by. I can only imagine the awesome jam session that is going on in heaven with all these giants that have gone on before us. may our loving savior bless and comfort his family at this time of loss. rest in peace George thank you for the awesome music you left us
Shirley Clay Greene
October 24, 2013
To the family of "my musical hero", George Duke. I cannot get enough of the wonderful music he has created and know there will never be another like him. Thank God for the life of George Duke and for all the albums I will continue to enjoy in his memory.
October 23, 2013
To the family, What an entertainer! He will be truly missed. May the God of all comfort sustain you during this difficult time.
Psalms 145:14
Angelique
October 20, 2013
So sorry for your loss...the world has lost another jazz legend! George will be missed!
Ayn Blackmon
October 12, 2013
To the family and friends of Mr George Duke
Please accept my warm and sincere condolences. May you hold onto the fond memories you have of him,as well as the warm embrace of each other. Always remember too, that our Heavenly Father really cares for you and will give you the direction needed during this sad chapter in your lives.(1 Peter 5:6-7)(Proverbs 3:5-6) Again, you have my deepest sympathy.
October 7, 2013
So sadden by the news of the greatest.. George Duke.. He will be so missed by both of us.. I will always love his music and it will stay in my heart forever. Love, Linda & Anthony Serveio
Robin Harris
September 28, 2013
God Bless the family, friends and fans of George Duke. I will miss you dearly, and I thank you for the wonderful music through the years. Especially "Sweet Baby" and "Rhyum or Reason." Rest in Peace.
September 24, 2013
May the family have peace and trust in the God of all comfort (2 Cor. 1:3)
STEVEN SAMUEL
September 12, 2013
BEST IN THE BUSINESS, I HAVE A LOT OF HIS MUSIC, BLESSINGS TO THE FAMILY.
Pamela Broyles
September 10, 2013
George Duke's creativity and great contribution to music will be forever missed. I will cherish the beautiful music he gave all of his fans! God Bless.
C Franklin
September 5, 2013
You will be missed,your music was such an uplift to me,whether i was happy or sad,or just wanted to hear the sounds of George Duke.You were an inspiration to so many of people.
Smooth jazz cruise 2008
Renee Clark
September 5, 2013
I have loved George Duke's music for a long, long time. I got to meet with him on the Smooth Jazz cruise in 2008. He was such a down to earth guy, funny and so nice. The jazz world has lost a great one. No one could play that "Dukey Stick" like George :-)
Janice Trapp
September 2, 2013
You will be missed. May God give your family strength in their hour of need.
The W.M.S. 3 Band
September 1, 2013
We were all very inspired by the music of Mr.George Duke. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.
Michael B
September 1, 2013
RIP GEORGE. You brought joy to many through your music. Thank you !
N. A. Watson
August 30, 2013
I've been a fan since the Zappa days. You were the foundation of my musical world. Any mention of you on an album, I bought it. If you were anywhere near Michigan, I was there. You were a major influence in the music industry Mr. Duke. R.I.P.
george adams
August 29, 2013
made the world a much better place/ much love
troy richie
August 28, 2013
Thank you george" your song starting again" helped me at the lowest time in my life..allaah bless and keep you.
Donald Tate
August 27, 2013
You have been the wind beneath my wings...namaste Sir Duke.
kirk parks
August 24, 2013
you are the reason that i play keyboards,i put some of you licks into my music at the new hope baptist church.i'm gonna keep it funky for the lord. thanks mr.duke. kirk
Bruce Mitchell
August 24, 2013
Absolute year! Absolute POWER! Absolute Divinity!
Deacon Marshall
August 23, 2013
Always enjoyed the sound and talent of Mr. George Duke...Thank you Lord for giving him time here on Earth.
August 23, 2013
We extend our heartfelt sympathy to the family of Mr. George Duke. What a talented man. It has been a joy to listen to his music over the years. I had the pleasure of meeting him and that occasion will remain in my memory forever. May you find comfort in the memories that you have. Peace be with you.
George and me in StL 2006
Kent
August 23, 2013
There will never be another like George Duke.
jonn jordanparks
August 22, 2013
sir goerge duke...I have always enjoyed your music. snapshot one of the best albums of all time. I was looking forward to you coming to fresno, but your music lives on!
Mr. Hardamon
August 22, 2013
May God Bless the Family.Although, I did not know Mr. Duke personally, it was obvious that he exuded class , and the class was embodied in his music.
Michael Williams
August 21, 2013
Mr. Duke...thank you for your musical contributions to the world. Your lost is likened to loosing a great friend...won't be another like you! On the positive, Heaven just got another great one!
"Straight from the heart!"
TONY HANDY
August 21, 2013
GEORGE YOU ARE SUCH A GREAT ARTIST AND BROTHER FOR ALL MUSICIANS WORLD WIDE WE WILL ALLWAYS REMEMBER YOU AHD YOUR WONDERFUL PASSION OF MUSIC WE LOVE YOU GOD BLESS YOU AND OUR HEARTS GOS OUT TO YOUR FAMILY TONY HANDY AND THE HD FUSION BAND
Constance Pulliam-Sykes
August 21, 2013
Through the music , live and in concert, we grew up together. "Happy Trails" to you George, "til we meet again".
Bobby Wright
August 20, 2013
Thank you George for allowing me to hear your Music one more time during the Clarke-Duke Bring It Tour 4. I also thank you dearly for giving my step-son Henry (Henri' as you called him)the opportunity to perform with you, one of the greatest musicians of all time. We will miss you dearly.
Allen Andrews
August 20, 2013
I first met Mr. Duke standing in line at a movie theatre in LA about 1980. The movie was 'The Eyes of Laura Mars'. I turned around in the long line and George was standing behind me. I introduced myself and told him how much I enjoyed his music. When he and Stanley Clarke came to town, I was often there.
Fast forward 2010, I met him again and asked if he remembered that story. He said, almost.lol.
Love you George. Miss you my old friend.
Penny Barlow
August 20, 2013
You changed lives with your work. You will be greatly missed.
Rudolph Valentino Parks Jr.
August 20, 2013
We love you George, you and you music will forever be in our hearts! You will really be missed!
Jetta Meria
August 20, 2013
Duke say hi to Charlie for me. Move foward my brother!!!!
Antoine Wynne
August 19, 2013
George Duke was my favorite artist of all times. My favorite songs were You, Say that you will, and Movin On. Rest in peace my bother.
Valorie Rogers
August 19, 2013
Our hearts go out to the family and friends of George Duke. We only knew him through his music and the spirit he shared with the world. We were so blessed to be able to see him in concert several times. But, our most memorable experience of him was taking our young grandsons to see him at Yoshi's in Oakland, Ca. They were mesmerized and very appreciative of his interaction with the audience.
Although we would like him here (physically) forever, we know that he has much more work to do beyond what we can see. We love him for all that he was to the world. We send you peace and comfort.
Lisa Taylor
August 19, 2013
May you rest in piece with your beautiful sweet wife, Corrine. You made my life so much better with your true gift from God! Rest In Peace #sweet baby
Lisa Taylor
Michelle Savage
August 19, 2013
This light will always be lit in Remembrance of your life... George Duke. .
Michelle Savage
August 19, 2013
I have been saying since your passing, that the "Universe has lost a star. A star that creatived a cosmic force in the music industry. RIP Sir GEORGE DUKE you will be truly missed, but now you are with your "Sweet Baby, RIP Ms.Corine..
yassie harrison
August 19, 2013
Your music will live on <3 MR. DUKE
Helen Tate
August 19, 2013
I have followed your music for so many years & you will be sorely missed. To your family, may God give you His continuous comfort & peace of mind. Remember, he still lives as long as you live, for he is part of you.
Marco P
August 19, 2013
Shocked to learn of Master Duke's passing - he was a tireless creator and collaborator. Perhaps he burnt out his candle too soon? Massive fan of his since 1980. He has gifted us with over 30 solo albums ... thank you for the feast GD ... you are already part of music history.
August 19, 2013
I had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Duke in 1997, after a performance in Cleveland. Though he was an icon, he treated me like an old friend. One of the nicest of God's creations.
(John 14)
Rev. Mark Banks
Euclid, Ohio
Ron Gilmore
August 18, 2013
George gonna miss you and your music. Rest in peace my friend.
Bruchell Keys-Toyfoya
August 18, 2013
Greatness Mr. Duke that's what we all will miss, now you are in heaven playing music as always,
August 18, 2013
Blessings & Peace 2 this family 4 a life well lived: Mr. Duke left his print on the world of MUSIC. THANK YOU 4 SHARING HIM WITH US. HE WAS A MENTOR 2 MANY.
Tonja Howell
August 17, 2013
I have been devastated since I heard the news. I can't count how many times I saw Mr. Duke live. An Icon. The music world is better because of Mr. Duke. RIP.
Amy Sargent
August 16, 2013
What can I say! It's too hard to believe! My husband and I loved George Duke music! He will be greatly missed!
Sheila Washington
August 16, 2013
I first met George Duke on my birthday last January, 2012 at the Catalina Bar and Grill on Sunset in Los Angeles while with some friends. George and I met through a guest of his that night. Once we met I told him that my birthday was on January 12th and my friends brought me there to see him perform. He said my birthday is the 12th too and that he didn't believe me that I was just saying that to get his autograph so of course I had to pull out my drivers license and prove to him that it was then I asked him to let me see his drivers license because I didn't believe him either so he did and we laughed. He asked me and my friends to stay afterwards for cake and share his birthday with him since it was mines too. Of course we did. He was very nice and polite to us. That was a very special birthday!
Although you're not here physically, your music will remain with us forever. Rest In Peace George!
Leonard Rogers
August 15, 2013
Will always treasure the thrill of seeing George's performance @ The Montreux Jazz Festival Tour in Raliegh,N.C.
Dawn Patrick
August 15, 2013
Prayers to the Duke family. My first concert date with my, now, husband of 8 years was to see George Duke in 2000 @ Yoshi's in Emeryville, CA. What a talent...he will be greatly missed from the music scene
Larry Kagler
August 14, 2013
RIP GEORGY...Your gift was immeasurable and your contributions to the music industry are immortal. "STRAIGHT FROM THE HEART" -Larry Kagler (San Antonio, Texas)
August 14, 2013
Remembering your great love story today and always.
Kenneth John
August 13, 2013
missing you george thanks for 10 plus years of beautiful memories and advise.I know Corine is happy to see you.R.I.P.
September Amyx
August 13, 2013
Sadness ropes around my heart at this great loss, yet joy in it's own measure comes as well as I believe you are "reaching towards heaven". Well done, Mr. George Duke.
audrey freeman
August 13, 2013
i love your music u have touched so many the love NO RHYTME NO REASON it is so real you are a genius and and angel now. GOD has blessed us all with your presence on earth we all love you.
August 13, 2013
RIP MR. DUKE GOD REACH FOR YOU.
Pam Pam
August 13, 2013
R I P....much blessings and prayers
Shirley Mack
August 13, 2013
I received a call at 7:15 a.m. on Monday morning, informing me of George Duke's death.I am devastated. George Duke and I grew up together in Marin City. His mother was one of my kindergarten teachers and one of my mother's best friends. His mother and I stayed in contact up until her death several years ago. Whenever I was at attendance at his Bay Area performances we would make contact. George and I took piano lessons together with concert pianist, the late Sir Jules Haywood (of Third Baptist Church in San Francisco). We both graduated from Tamalpais High School in Mill Valley. George and I are both Capricorns. Our birthdays are six days apart in different years . George's birthday is January 12, mine is January 6. I was going to purchase my ticket for his upcoming performance (with Stanley Clarke and others) at the Oakland Paramount Theater scheduled this October, when I received the news. George Duke was a child prodigy, a musical genius and an overall good person.The musical community will not be the same. He will be greatly missed.
His life is a testimony to his genius. One of the songs on his last albmn is "Missing You" which he wrote for his late wife. How appropriate for his memory as well. "Missing You" so much George. You will remain a great family friend. Kiss your mom (Mrs. Beatrice Duke), my mom (Mrs. Willie Mae Mack) and your dear wife Corine.You are now playing for the heavenly choir! Do what you do BEST-PLAY!
John and Rashid know that GOD is a comforter. You are in my prayers.
R.Allan Curtis
August 13, 2013
May God give you rest and I will see you in that Great Gettin' up Morning.
But, for now, thank you for a Big heart, a hearty laugh, and an amazing, varied, and abundantly listenable catalog of music to remember you by until we meet again in Yahweh's Kingdom.
Oh, by the way. You will soon see that you were right about The Messiah ;)
Annette
August 13, 2013
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Christopher Ward
August 13, 2013
George, Thanks for the inspiration you gave me as a pianist. You were the BEST!
August 12, 2013
George-you will be making great music with the other great souls awaiting your arrival in the heavenly realm. We had your earthly soul and it was enjoyable and will never be forgotten no rhyme no reason why you left to soon.
Denise Haughton Bear.De
Michael Herron
August 12, 2013
Thank You for your Music Mr.George Duke one my Favorite Mentor's in music so sorry we lost you we love you and your Family and Music God Bless,
August 12, 2013
Rest in peace George.
We thank you for your creativity until the end.
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