Dave Brubeck, Legendary Jazz Composer Dies At 91

Dave Brubeck, Legendary Jazz Composer Dies At 91

Jazz legend, pianist and composer Dave Brubeck passed away this Wednesday at the age of 91. The legendary jazz player had well known heart problems, problems that eventually got the best of him as he was heading to a medical appointment with his son.

When he arrived at the hospital he was beyond recovery and was pronounced dead. He would have turned 92 this Thursday. Brubeck, whose career spanned across six decades was an innovative musician that combined classic jazz with his own ideas and offbeat rhythm to produce an original style.

He was one of the first jazz musicians to achieve success in the charts with his extremely recognizable “Take Five” track. Brubeck stirred mixed opinions on his style. Some critics criticized him for his heavy handed jazz improves and freestyles while others considered his music laid back with a West Coast jazz vibe.

Dave Brubeck was born on December 6th 1920 in Concord California. His father was a cattle rancher, while his mother was a pianist and music teacher, and also the person to have the earliest and most profound influence on Brubeck’s musical inclinations.

He started college with veterinary school in mind but switched to music when teachers suggested he was more talented in that department. Brubeck earned his bachelor’s degree without knowing how to properly read music.

Posted by James Fried on Thursday December 06 2012, 1:41 AM EST. Ref: LA TImes. All trademarks acknowledged. Filed under Entertainment, Featured News. Comments and Trackbacks closed. Follow responses: RSS 2.0