Jazz great George Duke (played on Off The Wall) passed away at 67

It is with a very sad heart and spirit that I share the unexpected passing of the great jazz musician, composer and producer, Mr. George Duke.  I was first introduced to George Duke by my brother when I was in high school (many moons ago).  It was love at first sound and opened for me another musical genre that I have loved since childhood, jazz. At one time in his career Mr. Duke's most famous musical partner was the great Stanley Clarke and the two produced some great funky fusion jazz treasures.   The last time I saw George Duke along with Stanley Clarke was at the Blue Note about 10 years ago.
George as reported by the Washington Post was left devastated by the death of his wife, Corine, from cancer a year ago and unable to make music for months, but the keyboardist and composer eventually overcame his grief to create an inspiring collection of mostly original compositions called “DreamWeaver.” He weaves together the eclectic threads of his 40-plus year musical career: acoustic jazz, electronic jazz-rock fusion, funk, R&B and soul.



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I never really noticed how many great jazz musicians played on the Masterpiece : Off The Wall...
OFF THE WALL:
Michael Jackson – lead and backing vocals, co-producer, percussion
Randy Jackson – percussion
Michael Boddicker – keyboards, synthesizers, programming
Larry Carlton – electric guitar

 George Duke – keyboards, synthesizers, programming (tears)

David Foster – keyboards, synthesizers, programming
Gary Grant – trumpet, flügelhorn
Marlo Henderson – guitar
Jerry Hey – trumpet, flügelhorn
Kim Hutchcroft – saxophone, flute, trumpet, flügelhorn
Louis Johnson – bass guitar
Quincy Jones – producer
Greg Phillinganes – keyboards, synthesizers, programming
Steve Porcaro – keyboards, synthesizers, programming
William Reichenbach – trombone
John "JR" Robinson – drums
Bruce Swedien – recording engineer
Phil Upchurch – guitar
Bobby Watson – bass guitar
Wah Wah Watson – guitar
David Williams – guitar
Larry Williams – saxophone, flute
Richard Heath – percussion
Paulinho da Costa – percussion
David Williams – guitar
David "Hawk" Wolinski – electric piano
Patti Austin – vocals
Jim Gilstrap – vocals
Augie Johnson – vocals
Mortonette Jenkins – vocals
Paulette Mc Williams – vocals
Zedrick Williams – vocals
Horn and string arrangements by Jerry Hey and performed by The Seawind Horns, Ben Wright, Johnny Mandel.