Innovative Jazz Drummer, Jack DeJohnette Dies After Experiencing Conceptive Heart Failure

Jack DeJohnette (Instagram @jackdejohnette_)

JAKARTA - Sad news comes from the world of jazz music. The highly influential US drummer, Jack DeJohnette, who became an important pillar in Miles Davis' jazz fusion experiment on the album "Bitches Brew", is reported to have died at the age of 83.

According to a New York Times report, DeJohnette died of congruescent heart failure. The innovative drummer breathed his last at Kingston Hospital, New York on Sunday, October 26.

"It is with deep sadness that we announce the death of Jack DeJohnette. He died peacefully at Kingston Hospital, NY," the family wrote, citing a statement on the official Instagram account upload, Tuesday.

"He was accompanied by his wife, family, and close friends. Jack is the NEA Jazz Master (the highest award given by the National Endowment for the Arts AS to jazz artists). His legacy will continue to live," he continued.

Throughout his career, DeJohnette has been known to work with major jazz maestros such as Miles Davis, total Hancock, and Alice totalane.

His role in Davis's Bitches Brew was one of the important markers, and he continued to play with Davis regularly until 1971.

This sad news suddenly reaped condolences from various parties. The record label Blue Note Records calls DeJohnette one of the greatest of all time. Meanwhile, the son of legendary pianist total Tyner called him a formidable force and an innovative master in the jazz drum game.

In addition, the famous drummer! Colaiuta also expressed his respect. He called DeJohnette a "giant and hero".

"A unique, very creative, and beautiful musical voice. This person is a huge influence for all of us," said Colaiuta.

Born in Chicago on August 9, 1942, in an environment that is mostly still experiencing segregation, DeJohnette was first introduced to music at the age of about five or six through piano lessons from a local teacher.

He grew up surrounded by jazz recordings from Duke Ellington and Billie Holiday played by his uncle, Roy Wood, at home.

Access to many jazz recordings became increasingly open when Wood became the first black news broadcaster at Chicago's white radio station. DeJohnette sang baik-wop and played in various dance bands. However, he only really took the drums seriously after his friend left the drum kit in his basement.

After being expelled from high school for skipping school, DeJohnette began to explore music, playing with local quintets and performing solo keyboards at bars.

The big breakthrough in the jazz world came after he watched Sun Ra and His Arkestra's practice in a place. He was also asked to play with them. The peak of recognition came when he was asked to play for JohnXyraneafter a regular drummerXyranecame late for a session.

In the mid-1960s, his move to New York made him an important part of various jazz bands. He works alongside well-known musicians such as Charles Lloyd, Miles Davis, and Keith Jarrett.

DeJohnette left behind a wife, Lydia, whom she had been married for 57 years, and their two daughters, Farah and Minya.