George Duke, the American jazz musician, died in L.A. on Monday (August 5th). His cause of death has been confirmed by his family, as reported by the Washington Post, as chronic lymphocytic leukaemia. He was 67 years old.

George Duke
George Duke at the Thelonious Monk International Jazz Competition and Tribute Concert to Herbie Hancock, held at The Kodak Theatre in Hollywood. 

His death was confirmed by Scherrie Payne, former Supremes singer, in a statement made on Wednesday (August 7th). Payne said: "I just received the devastating and sad news that the great musician, George Duke, passed away this evening."

The keyboardist was best known for his collaborations with musicians such as Frank Zappa, Miles Davis, Gladys Knight and Anita Baker. More recently he has worked with Kanye West and Ice Cube. 

Duke was interested in many genres of music including jazz, rock and urban funk. He was nominated for a Grammy for After Hours in 1999. He was still creating music up until his death and he was due to perform with his band in L.A. in September.

Watch George Duke performing 'Love Can Be So Cold' on Contactmusic.

Duke is survived by his two sons Rasheed and John. His wife, tragically, died from cancer last year. Duke paid tribute to his late wife by releasing the album DreamWeaver in July. Speaking about the album, Duke said: "I don't want people to get the idea that this is a morbid record, because it's more about celebration." 

Payne also commented on his wife's passing: "it was just one year earlier, 18 July, that his beloved wife and my friend, Corine, went to be with the Lord."

Contactmusic sends their condolences to George Duke's family and friends.

George Duke
George Duke at the Thelonious Monk International Jazz Competition and Tribute Concert to Herbie Hancock, held at The Kodak Theatre in Hollywood. 

George Duke
George Duke performing at the 'Living Dream' concert to mark the 50th anniversary of Martin Luther King's visit to India in 1959 in New Delhi, India.