George Duke has died, aged 67.

Ron Brewington, Motown Alumni Association was informed of George’s passing from former Supremes member Scherrie Payne in a note:

“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, July 18th, that his beloved wife and my friend, Corine, went to be with the Lord. Please keep his sons, Rasheed and John, in your prayers.

Funeral services will be private. Blessings, Scherrie”

George was a American musician known as a keyboard pioneer, composer, singer and producer in both jazz and mainstream music. He worked with numerous acclaimed artists as arranger, music director, writer and co-writer, record producer and professor of music. He was widely known for his band the George Duke Trio.

He recorded over 30 solo albums and had notable collaborations with other musicians, particularly Frank Zappa.

This performance from “The Old Grey Whistle Test” is one of my favourite memories.

He will be greatly missed.