According to George’s label Concord Music Group, the legendary
keyboardist passes away at St John’s hospital in Los Angeles because of
chronic lymphocytic leukemia.
Jazz musician George Duke, who is dubbed as a pioneer in the funk and R&B genres, passed away at the age of 67. George’s label Concord Music Group announced that the keyboardist died on Monday, August 5, because of chronic lymphocytic leukemia.
“The outpouring of love and support that we have received from my
father’s friends, fans and the entire music community has been
overwhelming. Thank you all for your concern, prayers and support,” his
son Rashid Duke said in a statement, as quoted by USA Today.
“I just received the devastating and sad news that the great
musician, George Duke, passed away this evening at St. John’s hospital
in L.A. It was just one year earlier, July 18th, that his beloved wife
and my friend, Corine, went to be with the Lord. Please keep his sons,
Rasheed and John, in your prayers,” former Supremes singer Scherrie
Payne said.
Celebrities took to Twitter to mourn his passing. Justin
Timberlake wrote, “RIP George Duke. Funk, Jazz, MUSIC Legend… One of the
GREATEST.” Besides, Josh Groban tweeted, “I was fortunate enough to
sing ‘They Won’t Go When I Go’ with George Duke. He was a master and a
very kind guy. RIP.”
George was born in San Rafael, California. He fell in love with piano
at the age of 4 after his mother took him to watch Duke Ellington’s
performance. “I don’t remember it too well, but my mother told me I went
crazy. I ran around saying, ‘Get me a piano, get me a piano!’ ” he once
said.
The artist released more than 40 albums in his 40 years of career and
collaborated with Michael Jackson, Frank Zappa, Miles Davis and Jill
Scott, among others. In addition, his work was sampled by Kanye
West, Daft Punk and Common. The Grammy-winning musician released his
final album “DreamWeaver” on July 16. The album, which came out a year
after his wife’s death, made its debut at No. 1 on Billboard’s
contemporary jazz chart.
He is survived by his sons Rashid and John. Funeral services will be private.
