The jazz world mourns the loss of Jack DeJohnette, the unparalleled drummer whose rhythmic innovations with Miles Davis on albums like ‘Bitches Brew’ launched the jazz fusion era and shaped contemporary improvised music. Dying at 83 from congestive heart failure, DeJohnette leaves behind an immense legacy of groundbreaking collaborations and a reputation as one of the most versatile and influential musicians of his generation.
The drumming world and beyond is profoundly saddened by the passing of jazz icon Jack DeJohnette, who died on Sunday, October 26, at the age of 83. His death, confirmed by his assistant Joan Clancy to Rolling Stone, was due to congestive heart failure. DeJohnette, a pivotal figure in modern jazz, passed away peacefully at a hospital in Kingston, New York, near his Woodstock home, surrounded by his loving wife, Lydia, family, and friends.
DeJohnette’s career spanned decades, marked by an insatiable curiosity and an unparalleled ability to transcend genres. From his early days in Chicago to his groundbreaking work with Miles Davis and his extensive output as a bandleader, he consistently redefined the role of the drums in improvised music.
An Early Start in Chicago’s Creative Scene
Born on August 9, 1942, in Chicago, Jack DeJohnette’s musical journey began with the piano at age five, encouraged by his uncle, a jazz radio DJ. This early immersion in music, particularly the vibrant Chicago jazz scene, laid the groundwork for his future innovations. He was a part of the city’s avant-garde community, circulating among forward-looking artists associated with the Association for the Advancement of Creative Musicians (AACM).
Though initially a pianist, DeJohnette pivoted to drums around age 18, quickly mastering the instrument by playing along to records. This relatively late start did nothing to hinder his prodigious talent, which soon caught the attention of established musicians.
The Miles Davis Era: Forging Jazz Fusion
DeJohnette moved to New York in the mid-1960s and quickly rose to prominence, joining Charles Lloyd’s chart-topping quartet. His versatility led to collaborations with jazz luminaries such as Bill Evans, appearing on the Grammy-winning 1969 album Bill Evans at the Montreux Jazz Festival, and saxophonists Jackie McLean, Stan Getz, and Joe Henderson.
However, it was his tenure with Miles Davis’ band in the late 1960s and early 1970s that truly cemented his legendary status. Joining Davis at the cusp of his “electric period,” DeJohnette, alongside figures like Chick Corea, Wayne Shorter, and Dave Holland, became instrumental in shaping the sound of jazz fusion. On Davis’ seminal 1970 album, ‘Bitches Brew,’ DeJohnette’s psychedelic rock and funk rhythms provided the pulsating heartbeat that bridged jazz with the grooves of artists like James Brown and Sly Stone. This album was inducted into the Library of Congress National Recording Registry in 2021.
DeJohnette’s contributions to Davis’ discography also include ‘At Fillmore,’ ‘Live-Evil,’ and the initially panned but now revered jazz-funk landmark ‘On the Corner.’ Reflecting on his time with Davis, DeJohnette once shared with Jazz.com, “It was great to play with Miles, because Miles loved the drums. Everything came from the drums.” Davis himself lauded DeJohnette in his memoir, noting the drummer “gave me a certain deep groove that I just loved to play over.”
A Prolific Leader and Collaborator
After his impactful period with Miles Davis, DeJohnette continued to push boundaries as both a bandleader and an in-demand collaborator. He formed the long-running Standards Trio with influential pianist Keith Jarrett and bassist Gary Peacock, reinterpreting the Great American Songbook. He also led his own groundbreaking ensembles, New Directions and Special Edition, and worked with diverse artists including Sonny Rollins, Herbie Hancock, Pat Metheny, Freddie Hubbard, John Abercrombie, Ravi Coltrane, and John Scofield.
His extensive discography as a leader includes:
- ‘The DeJohnette Complex’ (1969), marking his debut as a bandleader.
- The acclaimed Gateway albums with Dave Holland and John Abercrombie.
- ‘Music for the Fifth World’ (1992), exploring rock elements.
- ‘Peace Time’ (2006), which earned him a Grammy Award for Best New Age Album.
- ‘Made in Chicago’ (2015), a return to his avant-garde roots.
In 2016, DeJohnette returned to his initial instrument with ‘Return,’ a solo-piano album that served as a spiritual successor to his 1985 release, ‘The Jack DeJohnette Piano Album.’
An Enduring Legacy and Tributes
Jack DeJohnette’s influence on jazz and contemporary improvised music cannot be overstated. He was celebrated for his ability to seamlessly navigate a vast musical landscape, from the rhythmic complexities of avant-garde to the infectious grooves of funk and rock. He was named an NEA Jazz Master in 2012 by the National Endowment for the Arts, the highest honor in jazz, and was ranked number 40 on Rolling Stone’s 100 Greatest Drummers of All Time list. He was a two-time Grammy Award winner from six nominations.
Tributes have poured in from fellow musicians, reflecting the profound impact he had. Vernon Reid of Living Colour called him “the goat” (Greatest Of All Time) on social media, emphasizing his immense importance to music. Drummer Antonio Sanchez eloquently articulated DeJohnette’s unique genius: “He effortlessly created magical avenues for countless musicians to glide through while simultaneously challenging them and pushing them. He was so unique in our music that all you needed to say was his first name and anybody knew exactly the sound and energy you were referring to.”
Jack DeJohnette is survived by his wife of 57 years, Lydia DeJohnette, who also managed his distinguished career, and their two daughters, Farah and Minya. His unparalleled contributions to music will resonate for generations, a testament to his innovative spirit and deep rhythmic soul.
