With a heavy heart and saddened, but finally grasping the reality and wrapping my brain around the news of the passing of the beautiful life of George Duke, an Iconic Legend and musical genius, I choose to "Celebrate" the generous offering of his life, which was indeed well lived. I was blind-sided and in mourning already, having received news of the sudden passing a few days ago of a family loved one and then, this morning, my phone was ringing, text messages coming in, etc., so I knew something wasn't quite right and that's when I learned that George was gone. (this was around 7AM this morning.) I had to now steady myself and rest assured that this multiplied grief would soon pass. George Duke, who began his career as a jazz pianist in the 1960s, but made his name by crossing musical boundaries, died on Monday in Santa Monica. He was 67. I am thankful that George knew how much I loved his music....and I'm grateful that we will forever enjoy the beautiful music composed, performed, produced, arranged and delivered by such a beautiful, sincere, generous spirit. If you haven't taken the time to really "pay attention" to what George gifted us with, please don't just turn the music on and bob your head......Take the time to really listen...I mean "Listen" ..... he was indeed a Genius. One of my favorite pieces of all time, a simple, beautiful tune "Simple Things" can be listened to every single day.....he always has a message, and the lyrics in that tune are profound. Pick up his latest released cd 'DreamWeaver' if you haven't already and actually 'listen' to each track.....Truly listen to what George is giving through his keys and lyrics.....seriously, listen.
The love that he shares for his beloved wife Corine, who passed away last year, is laced throughout this latest, dedicated project to her, and I lose count of the number of times that I've listened to it since it was released, just 3 short weeks ago. Pay attention to the tracks: You Never Know.....and Change the World.......he always has a message (if you are paying attention) - May God's peace and comfort surround his loved ones and may we rejoice, knowing that George enjoyed this latest project...he was very proud of it....he appeared to have lots of fun creating it and it's evident that his heart was wide open throughout each and every track. If you haven't watched the interviews prior to the last release, take time to listen to it and smile along with him while he beams with joy in anticipation of the release.
The music of George Duke will live forever. "Happy Trails" - Life well lived....job well done....Thank You Maestro!
Enjoy the following interview given by George just prior to his recently released project, "DreamWeaver" :
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