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How did Chick Corea die? 79-year-old Jazz Fusion pioneer who won 23 Grammys left final message for his fans

Corea was the fourth-most-nominated artist in the history of the Grammys, with 65 nominations -- he won the prestigious music award an astounding 23 times
PUBLISHED FEB 11, 2021
American piano player Chick Corea performs live at the OGR Jazz Club on November 9, 2018, at Officine Grandi Riparazioni in Turin, Italy (Getty Images)
American piano player Chick Corea performs live at the OGR Jazz Club on November 9, 2018, at Officine Grandi Riparazioni in Turin, Italy (Getty Images)

Legendary American jazz composer Armando Anthony Corea, better known to the world as Chick Corea died on Tuesday, February 9. The news was made public only on Thursday, February 11. 

Corea was the fourth-most-nominated artist in the history of the Grammys, with 65 nominations -- he won the prestigious music award an astounding 23 times. He also earned three Latin Grammy Awards, the most for any artist in the Best Instrumental Album category.

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Chick Corea, winner of Best Latin Jazz Album poses in the press room during the 62nd Annual GRAMMY Awards at Staples Center on January 26, 2020, in Los Angeles, California. (Getty Images)

How did Chick Corea die?

On his official Instagram page, a post was made announcing his demise. The post read: “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.” The post did not however add what kind of cancer and when he was diagnosed with it. 

“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,” added the post.



 

Chick Corea’s life and accomplishments

The musician was born on June 12, 1941, in Chelsea, Massachusetts, to parents Armando J. Correa, a jazz trumpeter who led a Dixieland band in Boston in the 1930s and 1940s, and Anna Corea. His father introduced him to the piano at the age of four. Growing up, he was surrounded by jazz. At the age of eight, he took up drums.

In the early ‘60s, Corea established himself as an accomplished pianist, working with Stan Getz, Herbie Mann, and others. Later in the decade, he joined Miles Davis’ band. Following his work with Davis, he formed his own groundbreaking electric band, Return to Forever.

Corea is considered one of the major piano voices to emerge in jazz during the post-John Coltrane era. His compositions ‘Spain’ -- arguably his most famous number -- ‘500 Miles High’, ‘La Fiesta’, ‘Armando’s Rhumba’, and ‘Windows’ are jazz standards. 

Chick Corea attends Reel To Reel: Chick Corea: In The Mind Of A Master at GRAMMY Museum on November 26, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Getty Images)

Chick Corea’s final message to fans

On his Instagram, in the same post that announced his passing, a small message from the prolific musician was also added for all those he knew and loved, and for all those who loved him.

The message read: “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 said in his final message to his fans.

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