GEORGE DUKE DIES IN L.A.: 1946-2013

Hot off the presses is sad news of George Duke's passing. The news came via notification from Ron Brewington, Motown Alumni Association (MAA). He was informed of George’s passing from former Supremes member Scherrie Payne. News of George Duke’s passing first appeared on social media, and so far the only statement to be found is from former Supremes member Scherrie Payne: "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." Unfortunately no details of George Duke’s death are available as of this posting.

The musician, singer, producer and composer leaves behind a stunning legacy that includes collaborations with the likes of Frank Zappa and albums such as the Jean-Luc Ponty Experience with the George Duke Trio. Duke’s music has been sampled by the likes of A Tribe Called Quest, Pete Rock and Madlib. He had worked with numerous acclaimed artists as arranger, music director, writer and co-writer, record producer and professor of music. He first made a name for himself with the album The Jean-Luc Ponty Experience With The George Duke Trio. He was primarily known for thirty-odd solo albums as well as for his collaborations with other musicians, including Frank Zappa.More recently, Duke worked with Jill Scott and Teena Marie. In the summer of 2011, he put together a trio with David Sanborn and Marcus Miller for a tour across the US and he was inducted into The SoulMusic Hall Of Fame at SoulMusic.com in December 2012.He had just released (on July 13) a new album called “Dreamweaver” which was a tribute to his dearly departed wife Corine, who passed away a year ago from cancer.