George Duke, Jazz Pioneer, “Reach For It”, “Dukey Stick” Composer, Dead At 67

by

george_duke-500x304 George Duke passed away at 67, the same age as was Jim Kelly when he left us just about over a month ago. George Duke is what Zennie62 is all about: a man who left an indelible mark on American Pop Culture, and during my lifetime.

George Duke was the composer of one of my favorite jazz creations: the 1978 songs called “Reach For It,” and “Dukey Stick.” Once you hear these tunes you’ll never forget them. They possessed a sound that was one part danceable, the other part jazz, and the third part, rhythm. And the lyrics were unforgettable.

Here’s “Reach For It:”

George Duke passed away Monday.

The news of his death came from various sources and originated from Ron Brewington of the Motown Alumni Association (MAA). Mr. Brewington was told of George’s passing away from former Supremes member Scherrie Payne and in this note:

I just received the devastating and sad news that the great musician, George Duke, passed away this evening at St. John’s hospital in L.A. It was just one year earlier, July 18th, that his beloved wife and my friend, Corine, went to be with the Lord. Please keep his sons, Rasheed and John, in your prayers.

Funeral services will be private.

Blessings,

Scherrie

This is sad. I do hope this isn’t what it seems to be.

What’s particularly hard about getting older is that people who’ve come to define your World, your personal culture, if you will, pass on, and they share the same space with your friends, who also defined your World and personal culture, and who have passed on. It’s like your life’s ripped away and the skin peeled off and replaced.

Stay tuned.

Leave a Comment