George Duke was a legendary keyboardist, composer, singer-songwriter and record producer who worked with numerous artists across different genres of music. He was known for his innovative and influential style of jazz fusion, funk, R&B and rock. He died on August 5, 2013, at the age of 67, from chronic lymphocytic leukemia, a type of blood cancer. His death was a huge loss for the music industry and his fans around the world.
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What is Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia?
Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is a type of cancer that affects the white blood cells called lymphocytes, which are part of the immune system. CLL causes the lymphocytes to grow and multiply abnormally, crowding out the normal blood cells and weakening the body’s ability to fight infections. CLL is the most common type of leukemia in adults, and it usually affects older people. According to the American Cancer Society, the average age of diagnosis is 71
How Did George Duke Get CLL?
The exact cause of CLL is not known, but some factors may increase the risk of developing it. These include:
Age: CLL is more common in older people, and the risk increases with age.
Gender: CLL is more common in men than in women.
Family history: Having a close relative with CLL or another type of leukemia may increase the risk.
Exposure to certain chemicals: Some studies have suggested that exposure to certain pesticides, herbicides, solvents or Agent Orange may increase the risk of CLL.
Radiation: Exposure to high doses of radiation, such as from atomic bombs or nuclear accidents, may increase the risk of CLL.
It is not clear which of these factors, if any, contributed to George Duke’s CLL. He did not reveal when he was diagnosed or how long he had been living with the disease. He did not disclose any details about his treatment or his condition. He continued to make music and perform until shortly before his death.
How Did George Duke’s Death Affect the Music World?
George Duke’s death was a shock and a sorrow for many people in the music world. He was widely respected and admired for his musical talent, versatility and creativity. He had collaborated with many famous artists, such as Frank Zappa, Miles Davis, Michael Jackson, Jill Scott and Daft Punk. He had also produced and mentored many emerging artists, such as Rachelle Ferrell, Dianne Reeves and Teena Marie. He had released more than 40 solo albums, spanning various genres and styles. His most popular album was A Brazilian Love Affair (1979), which blended jazz, funk and Brazilian music. His music was also sampled by many hip-hop and electronic artists, such as Kanye West, Common and Daft Punk.
Many of his friends, colleagues and fans expressed their condolences and tributes on social media and in the press. Some of the messages were:
Quincy Jones: “RIP to my soul brother George Duke. You will be greatly missed. Your music will live on forever.”
Herbie Hancock: “George Duke was a great friend, a great musician, and a great human being. He was always fun, full of joy, and his music reflected that. We will miss him dearly.”
Al Jarreau: “George Duke was a dear friend and a musical genius. He was a master of the keyboards, a brilliant composer, a wonderful producer, and a beautiful person. He touched so many lives with his music and his spirit. He will live on in our hearts and in our ears.”
Chaka Khan: “I just lost my dear friend George Duke. He was a phenomenal musician and a beautiful soul. He was like a brother to me. I will miss him terribly.”
Stanley Clarke: “George Duke was one of the best friends I ever had. He was a musical giant and a trailblazer. He was always pushing the boundaries and exploring new sounds. He was a true innovator and a visionary. He was also a great human being, full of humor, kindness and generosity. He was my brother in music and in life.”
George Duke’s legacy lives on through his music, which continues to inspire and delight millions of listeners around the world. He was a musical legend who left an indelible mark on the history of music. He was a jazz icon who died from a cause of death that shook the music world.
