With his astonishing technical skill and versatility, Armando Anthony "Chick" Corea cemented himself as one of the most influential jazz pianists of all time. During his decades-spanning career, Corea crafted a unique jazz fusion sound, reinventing the boundaries of the genre.
The Massachusetts native got his start in the 1960s playing with forward-thinking jazz giants like Miles Davis and Herbie Hancock. Corea quickly made his mark, lending his fiery playing style to Davis' seminal 1969 album Bitches Brew.
As a bandleader, Corea showcased both his visionary composition and technical wizardry. His work with Return to Forever in the 1970s produced beloved fusion classics like "Spain", "La Fiesta", and "500 Miles High" featuring Corea's lightning-fast runs.
Yet Corea never limited himself stylistically. His chameleonic talent shone through daring projects like his Mozart-inspired 1996 concerto The Mozart Sessions. He earned accolades for flamenco-jazz explorations like his 2000 album Touchstone.
Over his career, the prolific Corea accumulated an astounding 25 Grammy Awards, including for recent offerings like his 2021 duo album with Burton. Yet Corea's impact transcended accolades; his forward-looking artistry redefined jazz's boundaries and his mentorship left an indelible mark on music.
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