Jazz Keyboard Legend Chick Corea Dies at 79

Chick Corea– a legendary keyboardist who was a monster in the fusion realm and was a force of nature in all things jazz and improvisation died on February 9th at age 79 from cancer. Through his “Elektric”, fusion, trio, and combo albums Corea was extremely prolific. An electric keyboard pioneer alongside his acoustic piano accomplishments, Corea appeared on multiple Davis albums, including Black Beauty: Live at the Fillmore West and Miles Davis at Fillmore: Live at the Fillmore East. Corea most recently covered the works of  Domenico Scarlatti, Bill Evans, Frédéric Chopin, and Thelonious Monk on 2020’s Plays.

 In a note on his Facebook page the following was posted.

It is with great sadness we announce that on February 9th, Chick Corea passed away at the age of 79, from a rare form of cancer which was only discovered very recently.

Throughout his life and career, Chick relished in the freedom and the fun to be had in creating something new, and in playing the games that artists do.
He was a beloved husband, father and grandfather, and a great mentor and friend to so many. Through his body of work and the decades he spent touring the world, he touched and inspired the lives of millions.
Though he would be the first to say that his music said more than words ever could, he nevertheless had this message for all those he knew and loved, and for all those who loved him:
“I want to thank all of those along my journey who have helped keep the music fires burning bright. It is my hope that those who have an inkling to play, write, perform or otherwise, do so. If not for yourself then for the rest of us. It’s not only that the world needs more artists, it’s also just a lot of fun.
“And to my amazing musician friends who have been like family to me as long as I’ve known you: It has been a blessing and an honor learning from and playing with all of you. My mission has always been to bring the joy of creating anywhere I could, and to have done so with all the artists that I admire so dearly—this has been the richness of my life.”
Chick’s family will of course appreciate their privacy during this difficult time of loss.

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3 Responses

  1. I am deeply saddened by the abrupt departure of Chick Corea from this world! Beginning in the 1970s, I became an avid fan of his music and his collaborations with so many other creative artists. We have lost another giant. RIP

  2. You will always be in my heart and spirit. Im so sad now but i will see you in the next life. Your music will live forever. You have truly returned to forever. Love you much.

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