On Monday August 5, at age 67, jazz/funk/R&B musician/producer/composer George Duke passed away in Los Angeles after a long bout with chronic lymphocytic leukemia. The Grammy award winner had recently released his final album, Dreamweaver, on July 16 (which debuted at No. 1 on Billboard's contemporary jazz chart) in remembrance of his wife Corine, who passed away last year. During Duke’s four-decade career, he collaborated with the likes of Miles Davis, Michael Jackson, Anita Baker, Deniece Williams, Regina Bell, George Clinton, Frank Zappa, Jill Scott, while artists like Kanye West and Common sampled his works.
Born in San Rafael, California, Duke began playing the piano at four years old after seeing Duke Ellington perform and eventually graduated from the San Francisco Conservatory then from San Francisco State University with a Master’s in composition. He was a well-versed musician on the keyboards, clavinet, synthesizers, and acoustic piano.
"The outpouring of love and support that we have received from my father's friends, fans and the entire music community has been overwhelming," the musician’s son, Rashid Duke, wrote in a statement. "Thank you all for your concern, prayers and support."
Friends and celebs took to twitter to offer their condolences and reactions to the news. Justin Timberlake tweeted, “RIP George Duke. Funk, Jazz, MUSIC Legend… One of the GREATEST.” Questlove said, “George Duke master of his craft has left us folks. not how i wanted to start my tuesday morning…” and Erykah Badu posted, “We Grew up on Duke. :-(.” Jazz flutist Bobi Humphrey posted on her Facebook page, ““George Duke! Forty years, my friend! Heaven! A little bit funkier!”
Watch the late master musician talk about his latest LP Dreamweaver below:
R.I.P.
You may have heard the sad news that legendary R&B musician George Duke has passed away at the age of 67. He was known for his incredible skills as a pianist, keyboardist, and producer, and he had a major impact on the music industry over the course of his career. Duke worked with some of the biggest names in music, including Frank Zappa, Miles Davis, and Michael Jackson, among many others.
Despite his immense talent and influence, Duke remained humble throughout his life. He once said in an interview that he never thought of himself as a star or celebrity; he simply loved making music and connecting with people through it. His passion for creating beautiful sounds will be dearly missed by fans all around the world.
In this article, we’ll take a look back at Duke’s legacy in the music industry and explore how celebrities and fans are paying tribute to him on social media.
Remembering George Duke’s Legacy in the Music Industry
Remembering George Duke’s unparalleled contributions to the music industry is a testament to his enduring legacy.
He was one of the most respected musicians in the business, having worked with legends like Frank Zappa, Miles Davis, and Michael Jackson. His innovative approach to jazz fusion and R&B resulted in countless hits that continue to influence today’s artists.
Duke’s musical career spanned over five decades and produced over 30 albums. He was known for his virtuosity on both piano and synthesizer, as well as his incredible vocal talent. His unique blend of genres helped him develop a sound that was all his own, and inspired many aspiring musicians around the world.
The news of Duke’s passing has left many fans devastated, but it has also brought attention to just how much he influenced modern music.
Celebrities from all corners of the entertainment industry have taken to Twitter to express their condolences and share their favorite memories of working with or listening to Duke’s music. It’s clear that even though he may be gone, his legacy will live on through his incredible body of work.
Celebrities and Fans Pay Tribute to George Duke on Twitter
You can see the outpouring of love and appreciation for George Duke on Twitter as fans and fellow artists alike pay tribute to his incredible legacy. The news of his passing has shaken the music world, but it’s heartwarming to see how much he was loved and respected by so many.
Celebrities from all corners of the entertainment industry have been taking to social media to share their thoughts on Duke’s passing. Quincy Jones called him a ‘true musical icon,’ while Questlove praised him as a ‘keyboard pioneer.’ Other stars like Lenny Kravitz, Sheila E., and John Legend also shared heartfelt messages about Duke’s impact on their lives and careers.
Fans have also been sharing their favorite memories of Duke’s music, performances, and kind personality. Many recall seeing him play live or meeting him in person, while others simply express gratitude for the joy he brought into their lives through his music.
It’s clear that George Duke will always be remembered as a beloved figure in the world of R&B and beyond.
Conclusion
You’ve just finished reading about the passing of legendary R&B musician George Duke, and you’re feeling a mix of sadness and appreciation for his talent.
As you reflect on his contributions to the music industry, you can’t help but feel grateful for the legacy he left behind.
As celebrities and fans alike take to Twitter to pay their respects, it’s clear that Duke’s impact will be felt for years to come.
Whether you were a longtime fan or just discovering his music now, there’s no denying that George Duke was a true icon in the world of R&B.
Rest in peace, George – your music will continue to inspire countless people around the globe.
