New York- Chick Corea, the 23 Grammy Award-winning jazz pianist who broke the gender barrier and collaborated with Miles Davis and Herbie Hancock, has passed away at the age of 79.
Korea died of a rare cancer on Tuesday, his team posted on its website. His death was confirmed by his marketing manager, Dan Muse.
On its Facebook page, Korea left a message to its fans: “I want to thank everyone who stood by me and helped me keep the music alive. I hope those who like to play, write, act or whatever do. If not for yourself, for all of us. The world not only needs more artists, but also a lot more fun ”.
Korea was a prolific recording artist, recording dozens of albums. In 1968 he replaced Herbie Hancock in the Miles Davis band and played on iconic albums like “In a Silent Way” and “Bitches Brew”.
He formed his own avant-garde band, Circle, and later founded Return to Forever. He worked on many other projects, including duets with Hancock and vibraphone player Gary Burton. He recorded and played classical, standard, original solos, Latin jazz and tributes to great jazz pianists.
In 2006 he was appointed Master of the National Talent of Jazz Arts. He was a member of the Church of Scientology and lived in Clarwater, Florida.
Drummer Sheila E. mourned her death on Twitter. “This man changed my life through music and we played together many times. I am lucky enough to consider him my family, ”she wrote. “Chick, we’ll miss you so much, your music and bright light will live forever.”
Last year Korea released a double album “Plays”, which he performed at several concerts, just armed with his piano.
“Just as a runner likes to run because it feels good, I play the piano because I feel good,” he told The Associated Press at the time. “I can change and go in a different direction or choose a different number or do different things. This is a constant experiment ”.
Korea is the artist with the most Grammys in the 63-year history of his show and has the chance to win a posthumous award ceremony on March 14, where he is nominated for best improvised jazz soloist for ‘All Blues’ and best instrumental jazz. album for “Trilogy 2”.