Chick Corea

Date of Birth: June 12, 1941

Zodiac Sign: Gemini

Date of Death: February 9, 2021

Biography

Armando Anthony “Chick” Corea was an American jazz pianist, keyboardist, and composer. Born on June 12, 1941, in Chelsea, Massachusetts, Corea was a pivotal figure in the jazz and fusion genres. He began playing the piano at a young age, influenced by his father, who was a jazz trumpeter. Corea’s career took off in the 1960s when he played with notable musicians such as Miles Davis, with whom he contributed to the birth of the jazz fusion movement. In the early 1970s, Corea founded the band Return to Forever, which became one of the most influential groups in jazz fusion. Throughout his career, he explored various genres, including classical, Latin jazz, and avant-garde. He won 23 Grammy Awards and was nominated over 60 times, making him one of the most decorated artists in the history of the awards. Corea was known for his innovative approach to music and his virtuosic piano skills. He continued to perform and compose until his death on February 9, 2021, leaving behind a rich legacy that continues to inspire musicians around the world.

5 Interesting Facts about Chick Corea

1. Chick Corea was inducted into the DownBeat Jazz Hall of Fame in 2010.

2. He was a Scientologist and often credited the religion for his creative inspiration.

3. Corea was a prolific composer, with over 100 albums to his name.

4. His album “Now He Sings, Now He Sobs” is considered a classic in jazz piano trio recordings.

5. He collaborated with a wide range of artists, from Herbie Hancock to Bobby McFerrin, showcasing his versatility.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Chick Corea

1. “I enjoy playing. I think if I didn’t play, I would miss it terribly.”

2. “Creativity is more than just being different. Anybody can plan weird; that’s easy. What’s hard is to be as simple as Bach. Making the simple, awesomely simple, that’s creativity.”

3. “I think the idea is to remain open to as many things as possible. The more you experience, the more you can bring back to the world.”

4. “Music is a language. It’s a language that speaks to the human spirit.”

5. “The beauty of jazz is that it’s malleable. People never really appreciate its beauty until they understand that it’s a form that’s ever-changing.”