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On Wednesday morning, en route to see his cardiologist with his son, jazz pianist and composer Dave Brubeck died of heart failure, according to his manager-producer.
He died in Norwalk, Connecticut. He was just one day shy of his 92nd birthday. “Pianist Dave Brubeck’s gift for timing endures,” wrote Chris Barton of the LA Times.
An international jazz legend, Brubeck gained mainstream popularity with the Dave Brubeck Quartet in the 1950s and 1960s. Time Out, the album containing the quintessential track Take Five, is ranked among the best – and best-selling – jazz albums of all time.
Brubeck dedicated his musical career to experimenting with rhythm and tone. When he ended the Dave Brubeck Quartet in the late 1960s, he composed music that took inspiration from the bible. He wrote for TV and films and later formed a band with three of his sons.
“I celebrated my 91st birthday just two weeks ago today. As Eubie Blake remarked on his 100th birthday, “If I’d known I was gonna live this long I would have taken better care of myself.” Although I have retired from touring, I’m still at the piano every day and am thinking about doing another solo piano album of wonderful old tunes that most people have forgotten. It seems I’m about the only one left who still remembers them.”
He continued:
“I am so grateful to all of you who have followed my music through the years and surprised and happy when young listeners tell me they have discovered and like my music. I hope this will lead them to explore more of the great jazz legacy.”
Brubeck leaves behind his wife, Iola, six children, and an extensive discography.
