The death has been announced of Chick Corea, the American jazz composer and electric keyboard pioneer, aged 79.
His compositions-turned-jazz standards included Spain, 500 Miles High and La Fiesta. He was among a select group of talent, alongside Herbie Hancock and Keith Jarrett, to emerge as some of the 20th century's most influential pianists.
He released nearly 90 albums as a leader or co-leader, winning 22 Grammy Awards and securing 63 nominations. He secured the National Endowment of the Arts Jazz Master in 2006.
Armando Corea was born in Chelsea, Massachusetts and started playing the piano aged 4. He dropped out of Columbia University and the Juilliard School as he did not enjoy formal music education. However, he stayed on in New York and performed in Cab Calloway's band.
He rose to prominence as a sideman in Miles Davis' groundbreaking electric bands of the late ’60s attaining stardom as a fusion pioneer and as a do-anything player across the jazz spectrum.
The Grammy award winner wrote a message to his fans prior to his passing, which his team released in a statement on Facebook.
"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."
Corea’ family announced his death saying: "It is with great sadness we announce that on February 9th, Chick Corea passed away at the age of 79, from a rare form of cancer which was only discovered very recently.
Throughout his life and career, Chick relished in the freedom and the fun to be had in creating something new, and in playing the games that artists do.
He was a beloved husband, father and grandfather, and a great mentor and friend to so many. Through his body of work and the decades he spent touring the world, he touched and inspired the lives of millions."
