The 23-time Grammy-winning artist died of a rare cancer at the age of 79 on 09.02.2021, Corea’s official Facebook page and website announced. Corea won more Grammys than any other jazz musician. Born Armando Anthony Corea in 1941 in Chelsea, Massachusetts, he was considered one of the most important representatives of rock jazz and recorded dozens of albums.
Chick Corea is one of the most important contemporary jazz pianists and composers. With his father, a band leader, he learned to play the piano at the age of four, mainly classical composers. He also became acquainted with jazz, especially soul jazz, at an early age. He played with Herbie Hancock, Sarah Vaughan, Miles Davis, Gary Burton, Chaka Khan and Friedrich Gulda. His style is influenced by Ornette Coleman, John Cage and Karlheinz Stockhausen.
Some of his compositions, for example “Spain”, “La Fiesta” and “Crystal Silence”, became standards of modern jazz. Corea was also considered one of the co-founders of rock and fusion jazz (with the much praised band “Return to forever”).
On his Facebook page, Corea left a message to his fans: “I want to thank everyone on my journey who has helped keep the fires of music burning bright. It is my hope that those with a clue about playing, writing, performing or anything else will do so. If not for yourselves, then for the rest of us. Not only does the world need more artists, but it’s just a lot of fun.”
Chick Corea for Concert Band
Chick Corea for big band/jazz ensemble
Chick Corea for Soloists
