Jazz icon George Duke passed away yesterday in Los Angeles at 67-years-old.
The funk and R&B pioneer had been battling chronic lymphocytic leukemia, according to his label Concord Music Group, which confirmed his death.
“The outpouring of love and support that we have received from my father’s friends, fans and the entire music community has been overwhelming,” said his son, Rashid Duke, in a statement.
“Thank you all for your concern, prayers and support.”
Duke is a Grammy Award-winning keyboardist whom produced and collaborated with many legendary musicians such as Frank Zappa, Miles Davis, Jill Scott and Michael Jackson during his career, which spanned over four decades.
Present artists such as Kanye West, Daft Punk and Common have sampled the late artists music.
Duke’s final album, DreamWeaver, was released July 16. Its debut landed at No. 1 on Billboard’s contemporary jazz chart; the album was his first attempt at music since the death of his wife, Corine last year.
