This story was written by J. Kavin Ross and originally ran Sept. 1, 2013 in This Land Magazine, Vol. 4 Issue 17. We are republishing it in partnership with This Land Press.
*
When you witness God-given musical gifts, those moments are forever frozen in your memory. On Monday, August 19, Duke fans across the world were able to say goodbye to the legendary and incomparable George Duke, who died August 5 in Los Angeles. George Duke was perhaps the most exuberant pianist the world’s seen. He was indeed a free spirit and a warm soul who gave life to music. His musical gifts soothed the soul or evoked the savage beast within all of us.
Duke’s death was from cardiac complications from treatments for leukemia. But, those who knew him believe his passing was caused by a broken heart over the loss of his wife and lifetime friend, Corine, who died last July of cancer. The couple was married more than 40 years. George held on for the July release of Dream Weaver, new recordings dedicated to his late wife.
Upon learning the news of his friend’s illness, Stevie Wonder was at the hospital the day George died. As he began to sing “If It’s Magic” during the memorial service, he recalled their conversation at the hospital, “Are you ready for this fight?” Wonder asked Duke. “He said, ‘Yes, count it off .’ I, too, did my crying. We, too, must be as was he, an angel to protect the world.”
At the memorial service for Duke, I also shared the same linkage as those who performed along with him over the years. My opportunity came in 1992 when I attended my first George Duke performance at a venue called Rockefellers in Houston, Texas. Spending an afternoon with the pianist and music producer was a memorable encounter.
Seated next to me at that venue in ‘92 was George’s mother, who befriended me instantly. Nearly a decade later, Duke and I realized that night was memorable for both of us. For me, to finally see and hear one of the world’s most prolific pianists was the thrill of a life time. Unfortunately, the passing of George’s father marked the night for him. Earlier, the family had memorial services for the Duke patriarch. “It was the most difficult performance in my life,” Duke said.
I had studied Duke’s career all through high school. After graduating from Booker T. Washington High School, I furthered my studies at Texas Southern University. A music scholarship enabled me to share classes with Memphis saxophonist Kirk Whalum and Houston gospel artist Yolanda Adams.