Legendary jazz musician George Duke passed away on Monday at the age of 67, the Associated Press is reporting. He had been receiving treatment for chronic lymphocytic leukemia.
The keyboardist and producer, who worked in a variety of genres with luminaries ranging from Quincy Jones to Miles Davis, had just released the album DreamWeaver, which emerged out of his grief for his wife, Corine, who died a year ago, Ebony reports. A number of musicians reacted to the news of his death:
Former Supremes member and friend Sherrie Payne stated: “I just received the devastating and sad news that the great musician, George Duke, passed away this evening at St. John’s hospital in L.A. It was just one year earlier, 18 July that his beloved wife and my friend, Corine, went to be with the Lord. Please keep his sons, Rasheed and John, in your prayers.”
Other leading musicians including Headhunters bassist Paul Jackson reacted with sadness to the news of Duke’s death: "Just lost a great brother and friend George Duke RIP I know Heaven awaits you my sympathy to all your friends and family Paul Jackson." While jazz flautist Bobbi Humphrey posted on her Facebook page saying: "I am so hard trying. Too much to lose George! Please pray for me! George Duke! Forty years, my friend! Lord, why? Heaven! A little bit funkier! R.I.P. Dear Heart!"
Read more at Ebony and the Huffington Post.