Written by Jack DeJohnette, one of jazz’s most influential drummers, composers, and bandleaders, passed away on October 26, 2025, at the age of 83. His death marks the end of a remarkable six-decade musical journey that transformed the art of drumming and left a lasting imprint on jazz worldwide.
Born in Chicago on August 9, 1942, DeJohnette displayed musical talent early, beginning piano lessons at age four. His foundation in piano and formal studies at the Chicago Conservatory of Music contributed to his distinctive approach that combined melodic inventiveness with rhythmic complexity. By his early twenties, he shifted his primary focus to drums, quickly becoming a vital presence in Chicago’s evolving jazz scene. Working alongside key figures of the Association for the Advancement of Creative Musicians (AACM), such as Muhal Richard Abrams and Roscoe Mitchell, he developed a vast musical vocabulary that would underpin his career.
Jack DeJohnette Rome-1979 | Photo: Jack DeJohnette Personal Archive
In 1966, DeJohnette relocated to New York City, where his reputation grew rapidly. He joined the Charles Lloyd Quartet, playing alongside the young pianist Keith Jarrett. This group, notable for embracing influences from rock and roll while remaining rooted in jazz, was DeJohnette’s initial major platform on the international stage. His versatility and rhythmic innovation soon led him to collaborations with a who’s who of jazz legends including Billie Holiday, Bill Evans, and John Coltrane.
DeJohnette’s association with Miles Davis began in the late 1960s, a critical period when Davis was pioneering electric jazz and fusion. DeJohnette’s dynamic drumming on groundbreaking albums such as “Bitches Brew” and “Live-Evil” contributed to a seismic shift in jazz expression, blending polyrhythmic jazz drumming with rock and funk elements. Miles Davis lauded him for the deep grooves he established, describing him as a drummer who did not merely keep time but inspired musicians through his expressive and fluid approach.
Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, DeJohnette pursued both sideman and leadership roles. He formed Direction and later his own ensembles like Jack DeJohnette’s Special Edition. His explorations crossed diverse terrain, from avant-garde jazz and fusion to integrating electronic and world music influences. He was a founding member of Keith Jarrett’s Standards Trio, alongside Gary Peacock, a group noted for its profound interplay and continuity over decades.
Jack’s playing style was marked by exceptional technical mastery alongside a keen musical sensitivity. His drumming exhibited an intricate layering of rhythms and textures, while retaining a natural and flowing sense of improvisation. Unlike many drummers who confined themselves to strict rhythms, DeJohnette’s playing was inclusive of melody and dynamics, often perceived as a conversation partner rather than simply a timekeeper.
Jack Dejohnette 2019 | Photo Credit: John Abbott
His accolades include multiple Grammy Awards, notably for his album “Peace Time” in 2009, and the coveted National Endowment for the Arts Jazz Master designation in 2012, an honor recognizing his lifetime contributions. Beyond awards, his legacy is measured by the generations of drummers and musicians influenced by his groundbreaking work and teaching.
DeJohnette maintained an active schedule into his later years, continually seeking new musical partnerships and projects. His collaborations extended beyond traditional jazz, encompassing connections with rock, classical, and world music artists. His open-minded approach and adaptability made him a connector across musical boundaries.
Survived by his wife, children, and extended family, Jack DeJohnette leaves behind a vast discography and body of work characterized by restless innovation, artistic daring, and deep musical empathy. His passing is mourned by an international community of musicians, critics, and listeners who recognized him as a pillar of modern music.
Services and tributes are being arranged, reflecting on the indelible mark Jack DeJohnette has left on jazz and on music history. His creative voice and rhythmic language continue to resonate, reminding all that the evolution of jazz is linked irrevocably to his pioneering spirit.
Last modified: October 28, 2025
