“One of the All-time Greats,” Drummer Jack DeJohnette Dies at 83
Jack DeJohnette, the drummer who powered bands led by Charles Lloyd, Miles Davis, Keith Jarrett and others, has died at 83.
His family announced DeJohnette’s death Oct. 27 without giving a cause: “His legacy will live on,” they said.
The drummer “was a true original, a beautiful soul and inspiring musical role model for me and many, many, many others,” Bruce Hornsby said in a statement.
“It’s quite possible that no one in the jazz world has a more comprehensive and extensive list (of credits) than Jack; what an amazing musical life he led,” Hornsby said.
In addition to his extensive work with Lloyd, Davis and Keith Jarrett, DeJohnette collaborated with Pat Metheny, Sonny Rollins, Herbie Hancock, John Scofield, John Medeski and others. He also fronted his own groups New Directions and Special Edition; he was “one of the all-time greats,” Blue Note Records said.
John Scofield, said DeJohnette “was a good friend and mentor to me” during their time working together.
“He was the best,” Scofield said. “He will be missed and we can all be grateful for the recorded history of Jack’s music.”
Working with DeJohnette was “one of the greatest honors” of Medeski’s life and career.
“His unparalleled creativity, free spirit and penetrating musicality elevated every situation he played in,” Medeski said.
“So much intelligence, soul, curiosity, generosity (and) groove magically wrapped up in artistry and mastery. … Thank you, Jack, for blowing our minds and lighting our hearts. It’s forever.”
