George Duke Dies of Lukemia

http://guardianlv.com/2013/08/jazz-musician-george-duke-dies-of-leukemia/ ^

[shineon]

George Duke, famous jazz musician, died Monday from chronic lymphocytic leukemia, according to his label Concord Music Group, which confirmed his death. The pianist was an icon to many but also a humble man of humble beginnings.

George Duke lost his battle with cancer on Monday. There is no word yet on how long Duke had battled with his condition, but what is known is that he will be missed.

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.”

The musical genius’ later music was infused with deferential respect for his wife.

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. It features a fusion of sounds and a touching tribute to his late wife on the romantic piano-driven ballad “Missing You.”

Before Leukemia rocked George’s life, music was what guided him. The jazz musician’s death has ignited a renewed interest in the life of the humble star.

George Duke initially began his music career playing with friends in everything from garages to local clubs, Duke quickly eased his way into session work, which refined his abilities and expanded his approach to music.

Duke’s modest analysis of his own music further reveals his submission to his art.

[shineon]

I am sad

[shineon]

Duke Lives

[ZirconEncrustedTweezers]

Wonder if he and Frank are jamming in the hereafter...

Frank Zappa - Inca Roads

[Slump Tester]

Dang! I seem to have lost my Zappa ping-list. It was in a text file on a drive that puked.

Youse guys are all I remember. Does anyone still have it?

[shineon]

Don't forget about Cannonball.

[skeeter]

The guy's career hit its high point with the Clarke Duke Project. IMO.

Talented man, RIP.

[shineon]

With Cannon and Nat

[shineon]

with cobham

[latina4dubya]

lying here alone. i’m dreaming, my mind is wandering, my thoughts are all on you, wandering through the memories of mind...

[shineon]

Someday

[Bullish]

I was on a Zappa ping list at one time... I should be on this one.

[shineon]

Thanks Mr. George Duke. I have followed your search for excellence but only from a great distance. You brought to life only what my mind can see a long way off. But even that has brought much joy. Godspeed.

[Misterioso]

Walter Bocker was a mean bassist. ☺

[fieldmarshaldj]

RIP.

[Woodman]

I aw Clark Duke at the Berkley Greek Jazz Festival in (1983?), what an amazing performance.

[skeeter]

And a fantastic venue...

[Verbosus]

RIP - that video with John Scofield was great.

[fortheDeclaration]

He must have had CLL for quite a while, it is usually very slow acting.

[shineon]

Yeah really top notch stuff. Thanks

[shineon]

Minute 17 ha ha ha