Legendary Jazz Drummer Jack DeJohnette Passes Away at 83

Jack DeJohnette, the acclaimed American jazz drummer who collaborated with icons like Miles Davis, Sonny Rollins, and Charles Lloyd, has died at the age of 83. ECM Records confirmed his passing to The Guardian, citing congestive heart failure as the cause. DeJohnette’s family announced he died peacefully at Kingston Hospital surrounded by loved ones.

A towering figure in jazz for over five decades, DeJohnette explored free jazz, fusion, and post-bop, leaving an indelible mark on the genre. His work with Davis during the 1970s fusion era, including albums like “Bitches Brew” and “On the Corner,” remains legendary. He also led numerous projects under his own name, collaborating with artists such as Keith Jarrett, Pat Metheny, and Herbie Hancock.

Born in Chicago in 1942, DeJohnette began piano lessons at age five before transitioning to drums in his teens. By the late 1950s, he was leading trios and performing with avant-garde pioneers like Sun Ra. In the 1960s, he moved to New York City, where he joined bands featuring Freddie Hubbard and Charles Lloyd. His partnership with Jarrett spanned decades, while his tenure with Davis from 1969 to 1971 solidified his reputation.

DeJohnette released over 50 albums as a bandleader, earning two Grammy Awards, including one in 2022 for “Skyline” with Ron Carter and Gonzalo Rubalcaba. He was honored as a National Endowment for the Arts Jazz Master in 2012. His legacy endures through his innovative artistry and influence on generations of musicians.