Mia Patel
Jazz pianist, composer, bandleader, and percussionist Chick Corea died on February 9, 2021, at the age of 79. The cause of death was a rare form of cancer, which was only recently discovered. Corea was a 23-time Grammy winner and 67-time nominee, known for his compositions such as Spain, 500 Miles High, and Leprechaun's Dream. He collaborated with various artists, including Gary Burton, Bobby McFerrin, and Bela Fleck, and was considered a pioneer of jazz fusion.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Chick Corea |
| Date of Death | 9 February 2021 |
| Age | 79 |
| Cause of Death | Rare form of cancer |
| Type of Cancer | Not disclosed |
| Occupation | Jazz pianist, composer, bandleader, percussionist |
| Awards | 23-28 Grammy Awards |
| Grammy Nominations | 67-72 |
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What You'll Learn
Chick Corea's musical career
In February 2021, legendary pianist and composer Chick Corea passed away from a rare form of cancer called cholangiocarcinoma, a cancer of the bile ducts. He was 79 years old. Corea's musical career spanned over five decades and across multiple genres, leaving an indelible mark on the world of jazz and beyond.
A child prodigy, Corea started playing piano at the age of four and began his professional career in the 1960s. He quickly became a sought-after pianist and worked with some of the biggest names in jazz, including Willie Bobo and Cal Tjader. In 1968, he joined Miles Davis' band and played on landmark albums such as "In a Silent Way" and "Bitches Brew," which helped to redefine the jazz fusion genre. During this time, he also began exploring electric piano and synthesizers, which would become a signature part of his sound.
In the early 1970s, Corea formed his own band, Return to Forever, which became one of the most influential groups in the jazz-fusion movement. With Corea on keyboards, the band blended jazz, rock, and Latin music to create a unique and innovative sound. Return to Forever released a series of influential albums throughout the 1970s and early 1980s, including "Light as a Feather," "Romantic Warrior," and "Hymn of the Seventh Galaxy."
Aside from his work with Return to Forever, Corea had a prolific career as a solo artist and collaborator. He released numerous albums under his own name, exploring a wide range of musical styles. He worked with many prominent musicians, including Herbie Hancock, Stan Getz, and Gary Burton, and was known for his willingness to experiment and push musical boundaries. Whether it was traditional acoustic jazz, avant-garde, fusion, or even classical, Corea approached every project with a sense of curiosity and a deep respect for the music.
In addition to his performing and recording career, Corea was also a dedicated educator. He published several books on music theory and piano technique, and he taught and mentored countless young musicians. He also founded the Chick Corea Jazz Workshop, a non-profit organization dedicated to educating and inspiring young people through jazz.
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Corea's collaborators and bands
Chick Corea was a member of Miles Davis' band in the late 1960s and participated in the birth of jazz fusion. He recorded and toured with Davis, appearing on the studio albums "Filles de Kilimanjaro", "In a Silent Way", "Bitches Brew", and "On the Corner". He also appeared on the compilation albums "Big Fun", "Water Babies", and "Circle in the Round".
Corea formed the group Circle with bassist Dave Holland, who left Davis' group with Corea, drummer Barry Altschul, and multireedist Anthony Braxton. They were active from 1970 to 1971. In 1971, Corea began playing solo piano, recording the sessions that became "Piano Improvisations Vol. 1" and "Piano Improvisations Vol. 2". In 1974, he collaborated with Richie Grasso on the album "Season of Grace".
Corea also formed the group Return to Forever in the 1970s, which blended Latin music elements with rock and funk-oriented music. The first incarnation of the band included Corea, Flora Purim, Joe Farrell, Airto, and Stanley Clarke. Drummer Lenny White and guitarist Bill Connors later joined, replacing Connors with Al Di Meola. In 1976, Corea released "My Spanish Heart", featuring his wife, vocalist Gayle Moran, and violinist Jean-Luc Ponty.
Corea's other bands included the Chick Corea Elektric Band, its trio reduction called "Akoustic Band", Origin, and its trio reduction called the New Trio. He collaborated with Japanese pianist Hiromi Uehara on the live album "Duet" in 2008, and reprised the duet concert series with Hancock in 2015. Corea also led a trio with musicians Christian McBride and Brian Blade.
Corea delved into free jazz with the collective Circle, which he formed in the early '70s. He worked with an all-star crew called the Five Peace Band, which included two other Miles Davis alumni: guitarist John McLaughlin and saxophonist Kenny Garrett. Corea's other collaborators included vocalist Bobby McFerrin, banjoist Béla Fleck, vibraphonist Gary Burton, and his wife, singer Gayle Moran Corea.
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His Grammy wins and nominations
Chick Corea was a 23-time Grammy winner and 67-time nominee, according to some sources. Other sources state that he won 27 or 28 Grammy Awards and was nominated 72 times.
Corea won his first Grammy at the 1976 Grammy Awards, where he won the award for Best Jazz Performance by a Group for "No Mystery" alongside his band Return to Forever. His album Now He Sings, Now He Sings was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1999. In 2004, he joined the Foo Fighters for a performance of "Times Like These" at the 46th Grammy Awards, marking his Grammy stage debut. He last won the Grammy for Best Latin Jazz Album for Antidote. He was posthumously nominated for Best Improvised Jazz Solo for "All Blues" and Jazz Instrumental Album for Trilogy 2.
Corea collaborated with banjoist Béla Fleck on the duet album The Enchantment in 2007. Fleck was nominated in the Best Instrumental Composition category at the 49th Grammy Awards for the track "Spectacle". In 2008, Corea collaborated with Japanese pianist Hiromi Uehara on the live album Duet (Chick Corea and Hiromi). In 2015, he reprised the duet concert series with Hancock, integrating synthesizers into their repertoire. Corea's other bands included the Chick Corea Elektric Band, its trio reduction called "Akoustic Band", Origin, and its trio reduction called the New Trio.
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His final message to fans
Jazz legend Chick Corea, born Armando Anthony Corea, passed away on February 9, 2021, at the age of 79. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, mentor, and friend to many. He was also one of the most influential musicians of his time, with a career spanning several decades and numerous collaborations.
Corea left a final message for his fans, expressing his gratitude for their support and the impact he had on their lives:
> "I want to thank all of those along my journey who have helped keep the music fires burning bright." It is my hope that those who have an inkling to play, write, perform, or otherwise do so. If not for yourself, then for the rest of us. It's not only that the world needs more artists, it's also just a lot of fun. And to my amazing musician friends who have been like family to me as long as I've known you: It has been a blessing and an honor learning from and playing with all of you. My mission has always been to bring the joy of creating anywhere I could, and to have done so with all the artists that I admire so dearly—this has been the richness of my life."
In addition to his message, Corea also left behind a legacy of musical innovation and collaboration. He was a versatile and prolific artist, releasing over 100 albums and working with a diverse range of artists, from Alicia Keys and Miles Davis to the Foo Fighters and the London Philharmonic Orchestra. He was also a talented pianist, known for his crisp touch and clarion tone, and an improvisational genius, able to turn a wrong note into a motif of value.
Chick Corea's final message to his fans was a testament to his passion for music and the joy he found in creating and connecting with others. He will forever be remembered as a pioneer and an inspiration to musicians and fans alike.
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Reactions to his death
The death of Chick Corea, the jazz fusion pioneer, saddened many people. He was regarded as one of music's most respected and revered figures, and his death triggered an outpouring of tributes from fans, fellow musicians, and the music industry.
John Mayer, who worked with Corea, shared a photo of them jamming together on Instagram, along with a heartfelt caption. He described Corea as the "single greatest improvisational musician I have ever played with". He further added, "Nobody was more open, more finely tuned to the moment, changing his approach with every new offering by the musicians around him. If you hit a wrong note, he’d immediately pick it up and play it as a motif so as to say 'all of this has value, whether you see it or not'".
Musician Sheila E. also expressed her grief on Twitter, saying, "I’m devastated to hear of the legendary @ChickCorea’s passing. This man changed my life through his music and we were able to play together many times. I was very fortunate to call him my family. Chick, you are missed dearly, your music and brilliant light will live on forever."
Yusuf, also known as Cat Stevens, described Corea as a "genius" and "one of the most innovative and inspired musicians I ever had the privilege to work with". Similarly, Parliament-Funkadelic bassist Bootsy Collins hailed Corea as "a musical visionary".
Corea's family requested privacy during their difficult time of loss. However, in anticipation of his passing, Corea left a message for his fans and peers, expressing his love and passion for the music he created. He also thanked those who had helped keep the "music fires burning bright" and encouraged others to create, not just for themselves but for the world.
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Frequently asked questions
Chick Corea died from a rare form of cancer which was only recently discovered. The type of cancer has not been disclosed.
Chick Corea was an American jazz pianist, composer, bandleader and occasional percussionist. He was one of the foremost pianists of the post-John Coltrane era and was considered a pioneer of jazz fusion.
Chick Corea was a 23-time Grammy winner and 67-time nominee. He released over 100 albums and collaborated with a wide range of artists, including Miles Davis, the Foo Fighters, and the London Philharmonic Orchestra.
