George Duke dies age 67

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Veteran jazz, R&B, funk and fusion keyboard virtuoso George Duke died on 5 August in Los Angeles. The news was confirmed today by Duke’s record label Concord-Telarc. Duke recently released his new album Dreamweaver, that he’d dedicated to his wife’s memory. Dreamwever debuted at number 1 on Billboard’s Contemporary Jazz Chart. Mark Wexler, General Manager of the Concord-Telarc Label Group has stated: “We are all devastated by the sad news of George’s passing. He was a great man, a legendary, one-of-a-kind artist; and our hearts go out to his family. George will be missed by all.”

Duke’s career spanned five decades and always straddled the line between genres. Duke collaberated with artists such as Miles Davis, Barry Manilow, Frank Zappa, George Clinton and some of Brazil’s top musicians. In addition he was also a very successful record producer who worked with folks like Gladys Knight, The Pointer Sisters, Anita Baker, Rachelle Ferrell.

Last modified: August 7, 2013