News

RIP Chick Corea (1941-2021)

The sad news of the passing of Chick Corea at the age of 79 from a rare form of cancer is only just sinking in. Here is the official announcement:

“It is with great sadness we announce that on February 9th, Chick Corea passed away at the age of 79, from a rare form of cancer which was only discovered very recently.


Not yet a subscriber of our Wednesday Breakfast Headlines?
Join the mailing list for a weekly roundup of Jazz News.


 

Throughout his life and career, Chick relished in the freedom and the fun to be had in creating something new, and in playing the games that artists do.

He was a beloved husband, father and grandfather, and a great mentor and friend to so many. Through his body of work and the decades he spent touring the world, he touched and inspired the lives of millions.

Though he would be the first to say that his music said more than words ever could, he nevertheless had this message for all those he knew and loved, and for all those who loved him:

‘I want to thank all of those along my journey who have helped keep the music fires burning bright. It is my hope that those who have an inkling to play, write, perform or otherwise, do so. If not for yourself then for the rest of us. It’s not only that the world needs more artists, it’s also just a lot of fun.

“And to my amazing musician friends who have been like family to me as long as I’ve known you: It has been a blessing and an honor learning from and playing with all of you. My mission has always been to bring the joy of creating anywhere I could, and to have done so with all the artists that I admire so dearly—this has been the richness of my life.’

Chick’s family will of course appreciate their privacy during this difficult time of loss.”

(statement ends)

We were lucky to do a short interview with him in 2018. Our interviewer was Sarah Culler.  Chick’s optimism and goodness speak for themselves in everything he said. This is a terrible loss. In very great sadness:

PODCAST SYNOPSIS

00:00 – 00:47 OPENING MUSIC : Extract from Amnesia by Chick Corea.

00:47 You always profile yourself as a student… learning… the challenge to communicate one’s ideas… telling a story…

1:56 – 3:05 Spain – the tune , the connections the influences,  Paco De Lucia, Mongo Santamaria Eddie Palmieri…

3:05 – 4:37 Is there a hierarchy of duties for a musician? “I pursue ideas that I’m interested in…”

4:37-5:48 Is your work-rate speeding up slowing down or staying the same? Finding new ways to help young musicians – workshops.

5-48 to end Pannonica by Thelonius Monk  –  Chick Corea New Trio.

Image of Chick Corea on podcast from 1992 by Roland Godefroy / Creative Commons

Categories: News

Leave a Reply