Multi-talented singer, composer, and musician George Duke has died. According to media reports, he passed yesterday at the age of 67.
While Duke was widely known as a jazz virtuoso, his music-making extended across many genres with gospel being no exception. Among his credits are The Keynotes’ Get on That Gospel Train (sideman), Various Artists’ Handel’s
Messiah-A Soulful Celebration (producer), Kenny Lattimore’s “Healing” (co-writer and co-producer), and Smokie Norful’s Nothing Without You (producer). Duke is also credited with arranging and producing all the gospel songs for the 1990’s dramedy film Leap of Faith and serving as the music director for BET’s 3rd Celebration of Gospel.
Messiah-A Soulful Celebration (producer), Kenny Lattimore’s “Healing” (co-writer and co-producer), and Smokie Norful’s Nothing Without You (producer). Duke is also credited with arranging and producing all the gospel songs for the 1990’s dramedy film Leap of Faith and serving as the music director for BET’s 3rd Celebration of Gospel.
Earlier today, John P. Kee shared via Twitter, “Just finished a great session to find out my personal friend, ‘TheDuke’
is gone on to be with The Lord! Honored to have worked with him! RIP”
is gone on to be with The Lord! Honored to have worked with him! RIP”
“George Duke opened my ears to the possibility that jazz
music could be cool, melodic, & produced like R&B. Will miss
him. We lost a legend,” tweeted pastor and musician Hart Ramsey.
music could be cool, melodic, & produced like R&B. Will miss
him. We lost a legend,” tweeted pastor and musician Hart Ramsey.
J Moss took to Twitterverse to share a musical tribute that he says is “laced with George Duke.”
Remembrances will most certainly continue to pour in as news of his passing circulates.
Duke is survived by sons Rasheed and John as well as other family and friends. His wife Corine preceded him in death just over a year ago; he paid tribute to her on his latest project, Dream Weaver, released last month.
GMF sends to condolences to the family, friends and fans. George Duke will be remembered as a trendsetter in American music.
Read more about his passing and accomplished career here: www.jazzwisemagazine.com
Libra Nicole Boyd, PhD is a musician, award-winning author, gospel music aficionado, and the founder and editor of Gospel Music Fever™. Her commitment to journalistic integrity includes bringing you reliable gospel music content that uplifts and advances the art form. Libra is presently working on several scholarly projects about gospel music in the media as well as gospel music in social movements.