George Duke passes away at 67, reports say

American musician and keyboard pioneer, George Duke is reported to have passed away last night (5 August).

Duke is known for his fusion of jazz, R&B and funk, with his career stretching from the late-60s. He worked with the likes of Frank Zappa in his lifetime and has been sampled by everyone from Kanye West to Daft Punk.

Although no official announcement has been made, the news was confirmed by Supremes member Scherrie Payne, who wrote: “I just received the devastating and sad news that the great musician, George Duke, passed away this evening at St. John’s hospital in L.A. It was just one year earlier, July 18th, that his beloved wife and my friend, Corine, went to be with the Lord. Please keep his sons, Rashid and John, in your prayers.”

Our thoughts are with Duke’s friends and family at this time.

[via FACT]