Grammy-Winning Jazz Icon George Duke Dies at 67

The file picture dated 13 July 2009 shows US jazz keyboarder George Duke performing on the Stravinski Hall stage at the 43rd Montreux Jazz Festival, in Montreux, Switzerland. George Duke died at the age of 67 on 05 August 2013, as media reports on 07 Augu

George Duke, the Grammy-winning jazz keyboardist and producer whose sound infused acoustic jazz, electronic jazz, funk, R&B and soul, has died. He was 67.

Duke died Monday night in Los Angeles after being diagnosed with chronic lymphocytic leukemia, a representative for the performer said.

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. “Thank you all for your concern, prayers and support.”

Duke was born in San Rafael, Calif. He appeared on a number of Frank Zappa albums and played in the Don Ellis Orchestra, Cannonball Adderley’s band and with jazz musician Stanley Clarke.

Duke also played keyboard on Michael Jackson’s multiplatinum 1979 album, “Off the Wall.”

His 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.

We need your support so Novinite.com can keep delivering news and information about Bulgaria! Thank you!