Jack DeJohnette, the trailblazing jazz drummer renowned for his collaborations with Miles Davis, Alice Coltrane, and Sonny Rollins, has died aged 83. His passing was confirmed by ECM Records, the label behind many of his acclaimed releases. According to The Guardian, DeJohnette’s personal assistant said he died from congestive heart failure in Woodstock, New York, surrounded by his wife and close friends.
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Born in Chicago, DeJohnette began his musical journey as a classically trained pianist before turning to jazz percussion. His innovative drumming helped define the sound of modern jazz, notably through his work on Davis’s seminal albums Bitches Brew, Jack Johnson, and On The Corner. Known for blending intricate jazz rhythms with elements of rock and funk, he became one of the most influential drummers of his generation.
Over a career spanning six decades, DeJohnette released numerous solo projects and played alongside some of the greatest names in jazz. He won two Grammy Awards — one in 2009 for Peace Time and another in 2022 for Skyline — and was nominated for several others. His versatility as a drummer, pianist, and composer earned him critical acclaim and a devoted following among musicians and fans alike.
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In 2012, DeJohnette was awarded the prestigious NEA Jazz Masters Fellowship in recognition of his profound contribution to the genre. His final major album, Sound Travels, featured collaborations with Bruce Hornsby and Esperanza Spalding. Just two days before his death, he shared a cheerful post on Instagram captioned “Jack looking good,” a fitting farewell from an artist whose rhythm and spirit continue to resonate across generations.
