Jazz Legend George Duke Dies, Aged 67

George Duke, 67 died on August 5th at St. John’s hospital in L.A. Rumors of the keys master’s death have been circulating since last night; however  his death has confirmed.

Duke’s latest album ‘Dreamweaver’ was released on July 16th, and stands as a heartfelt tribute to his late wife Corine, who died of cancer on July 18, 2012.

‘Dreamweaver’ has received much critical acclaim, and held the #1 spot in the Billboard Contemporary Jazz Chart last week.

Duke was born in San Rafael, CA on January 12, 1946. While he is best known for his work as a band leader in Jazz, he is credited as a keyboard innovator across fans of many genres, including Rock and Fusion. He has backed Jazz legends such as Sonny Rollins, Cannonball Adderly, and Dexter Gordon, played keys for Frank Zappa’s innovative band The Mothers Of Invention, and worked with a wide range of artists, including Miles Davis, Gladys Knight, Jean-Luc Ponty, Anita Baker, Smokey Robinson, and Dee Dee Bridgewater.

Duke’s solo career saw him record more than 30-albums, and serve as a composer and producer for a laundry-list of albums and events. Duke is survived by his sons, Rasheed and John.

Naturally Moi sends heartfelt condolences to the Duke family.