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American jazz drummer Jack DeJohnette dies aged 83

Jack DeJohnette performs on stage at The Everyman Theatre at the Budvar Cheltenham Jazz Festival on 3 May 2009 in Cheltenham, England
Jack DeJohnette performs on stage at The Everyman Theatre at the Budvar Cheltenham Jazz Festival on 3 May 2009 in Cheltenham, England

The American jazz drummer Jack DeJohnette, a major figure in modern jazz who collaborated with Miles Davis and Keith Jarrett, has died at 83, his management has said.

"It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Jack DeJohnette. He died peacefully in Kingston Hospital, NY. He was surrounded by his wife, family, and close friends," a post on his Instagram said.

DeJohnette's personal assistant, Joan Clancy, confirmed that he died on Sunday from congestive heart failure in Kingston Hospital, New York state.

Jack DeJohnette plays drums on stage during the One Night with Blue Note concert at The Town Hall, New York on 22 February, 1985
Jack DeJohnette on stage during the One Night with Blue Note concert at The Town Hall, New York on 22 February 1985

Born in Chicago in 1942, DeJohnette worked with the greatest names in jazz from the 1960s onwards, playing with Herbie Hancock and Miles Davis, notably on the album Bitches Brew released in 1970.

In the 1980s, he formed a famous trio with pianist Keith Jarrett and bassist Gary Peacock.

A prolific musician, DeJohnette also released numerous solo albums, blending jazz, world music, and sound experiments.

Source: AFP

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