Dave Brubeck

Date of Birth: December 6, 1920

Zodiac Sign: Sagittarius

Date of Death: December 5, 2012

Biography

Dave Brubeck, born David Warren Brubeck, was an influential American jazz pianist and composer, renowned for his innovative work in the jazz genre. Born on December 6, 1920, in Concord, California, Brubeck’s music career spanned over six decades, during which he became one of the most prominent figures in jazz. He is best known for his work with the Dave Brubeck Quartet, particularly their groundbreaking 1959 album “Time Out,” which featured the iconic track “Take Five.” Brubeck’s early interest in music was nurtured by his mother, a classical pianist. He initially studied veterinary science at college but switched to music, inspired by his passion. He later attended Mills College where he studied under the French composer Darius Milhaud, who encouraged him to incorporate elements of classical music into his jazz compositions. Throughout his career, Brubeck experimented with unusual time signatures, contrasting rhythms, and complex harmonies, which set him apart from his contemporaries. His musical innovations and approachable personality helped bring jazz to a wider audience. Brubeck received numerous accolades, including the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award and a Kennedy Center Honor. Dave Brubeck passed away on December 5, 2012, just a day shy of his 92nd birthday, leaving behind a rich legacy that continues to influence musicians around the world.

5 Interesting Facts about Dave Brubeck

1. Dave Brubeck’s album “Time Out” was the first jazz album to sell over a million copies.

2. Brubeck served in the U.S. Army during World War II and led one of the first racially integrated bands in the armed forces.

3. He was a strong advocate for civil rights and refused to perform at venues that practiced segregation.

4. Brubeck was awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1996.

5. He studied under the famous composer Darius Milhaud, who influenced his incorporation of classical elements into jazz.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Dave Brubeck

1. “One of the reasons I believe in jazz is that the oneness of man can come through the rhythm of your heart.”

2. “There is no way to explain what jazz is. It’s the feeling, the soul, the heart of a person.”

3. “Take Five is a piece that makes people happy. It’s a piece that brought a lot of people to jazz.”

4. “Jazz is about freedom within discipline, and you must first learn the rules, then break them.”

5. “The most important thing I look for in a musician is whether he knows how to listen.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At the peak of his career, Dave Brubeck’s net worth was estimated to be around $15 million.

Children

Dave Brubeck had six children with his wife, Iola Brubeck: Darius, Michael, Chris, Catherine, Daniel, and Matthew. Several of his children followed in his musical footsteps, with Darius, Chris, and Matthew becoming accomplished musicians in their own right.