American jazz composer, Armando Anthony Chick Corea has died, according to a statement on the musician’s website. He was 79.
Corea died from “a rare form of cancer” that was discovered only recently, according to a statement on his website.
“He was a beloved husband, father and grandfather, and a great mentor and friend to so many,” read the statement.
“Through his body of work and the decades he spent touring the world, he touched and inspired the lives of millions.”
His career spanned over 50 years, Corea worked with some of the biggest names in jazz, including Dizzy Gillespie, Herbie Mann and Miles Davis.
Corea continued to pursue multiple collaborations and to explore different musical styles throughout the 1980s and 1990s. He was also known for promoting and fundraising for a number of social issues.
Corea has the most Grammy wins of any artist, with 23 wins and 67 nominations.