Chick Corea, jazz legend, dies

Armando Anthony Chick Corea (Chelsea, Massachusetts, 1941) jazz pianist and composer has died at the age of 79 due to a "rare" cancer, which was recently discovered.

The news has been released this Thursday through its official website, which indicates that the artist died on February 9.

The musician has left an emotional message of gratitude to those who have helped him in his career and of affection to both his family and his musician friends: "It has been a blessing and an honor to play with all of you."

His family has asked for privacy "in these difficult times", in which he has been remembered as a father, husband, grandfather, "friend and great mentor for many."

"Through his work and the decades he spent traveling the world, he touched and inspired the lives of millions," says the note posted on his social networks.

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 ...

Posted by Chick Corea on Thursday, February 11, 2021

Since embarking on a solo career in 1966, Chick has been at the forefront of jazz, as a renowned pianist who forged new paths with his acoustic jazz bands and as an innovative electric keyboard player with records such as

Return to Forever

,

Elektric. Band

and

Vigil

.

Chick was the fourth most nominated artist in Grammy history, with 65 nominations.

It also won 3 Latin Grammy Awards, the most of any artist in the Best Instrumental Album category.

His extensive discography boasts numerous albums, beginning with his 1968 classic, Now He Sings, Now He Sobs.

In 1976 he recorded his popular album

My Spanish Heart.

The world needs more artists

“I want to thank all those who throughout my journey who have helped keep the music going.

I am hopeful that those who have the desire to play, write, act or otherwise will do so.

If not for you, then for the rest of us.

It is not only that the world needs more artists, it is also very fun ”, the musician wrote.

“And to my amazing musician friends who have been like family to me since I've known them: it has been a blessing and an honor to learn and play with all of you.

My mission has always been to bring the joy of creating to any place I could, and to have done it with all the artists that I admire so much;

this has been the wealth of my life ", adds the message.