George Duke (b. 12 Jan 1946 in San Rafael, CA, USA - d. 5 Aug 2013 in Los A… Read Full Bio ↴George Duke (b. 12 Jan 1946 in San Rafael, CA, USA - d. 5 Aug 2013 in Los Angeles, CA), was a pianist and synthesizer pioneer, who also majored in the trombone. Early influences: Les McCann and cousin Charles Burrell. First gig was with the house band at the Half Note club and with vocal band Third Wave in 1968, from there he backed such musicians as Dizzy Gillespie, Kenny Dorham and Don Ellis, playing session musician on Jean-Luc Pontys Pacific Jazz Albums.1970 was a milestone for Duke playing on The Mothers of Invention album 200 Motels.

He then went on to join The Cannonball Adderley Quintet recording at least six albums with Adderley. Further collaborations with Frank Zappa and Billy Cobham came his first venture into the charts with "Reach for It" and "Dukey Stick". Reverting to his jazz roots his "Brazilian Love Affair" album even impressed his jazz critics after many accused him of selling out to pop.