New York- Chick Corea, the jazz pianist who won 23 Grammy Awards and broke the gender barrier and worked with Miles Davis and Herbie Hancock, has died at the age of 79.
Korea died of a rare cancer on Tuesday, its 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 vibrant. I hope that those who like to sing, write, act or whatever, will do it. If not for you, for all of us. The world doesn’t just need more artists, but a lot more fun. “
Korea was a prolific artist who recorded dozens of albums. In 1968, he replaced Herbie Hancock with Miles Davis and sang on iconic albums such as “Silently” and “Bitches Brew.”
He formed his own avant-garde band, Circle, and later founded Return to Forever. He has worked on many other projects, including duets with Hancock and vibraphone player Gary Burton. He has recorded and performed classical, standard, original solos, Latin jazz and tributes to great jazz pianists.
In 2006, he was named Master of National Jazz Arts Talent. 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 feel very lucky to consider him my family “, she wrote. “Baby, we will miss you so much, your music and your bright light will live forever.”
Last year, Korea released a double album “Plays”, which he performed at various concerts simply armed with his piano.
“Just as a runner likes to run because he feels good, I play the piano because I feel good,” he told The Associated Press at the time. “I can change and go in another direction or choose another song or do other things. This is a constant experiment. “
Korea is the artist with the most Grammy Awards in the 63-year history of his show and has a chance to win a posthumous awards ceremony on March 14, where he is nominated for Best Improvised Jazz Soloist for “All Blues” and for best jazz instrumental album for “Trilogy 2”.