George Duke

George Duke built his musical career on innovative styles and sounds. His reputation for creative and influential performances cross over jazz, pop and rock music and have since his early recordings in the 1960s. The dozen albums he recorded with Frank Zappa included George’s use of synthesizers in those early and developmental days, such as the Moog and ARP products. George also enjoyed a notable solo career with a string of R&B and Funk recordings including “Reach for It” and the “Dukey Stick,” both of which appeared on the 1979 album A Brazilian Love Affair, recorded in Rio. Since that time George has been active with world-tours, recording sessions and film work. He also made an appearance at the NAMM Foundation’s Museum of Making Music in the NAMM building in Carlsbad, CA during the museum’s tribute to Dr. Bob Moog in 2009.  After the passing of his loving wife of over 40 years, George passed just a year later at the age of 67 in 2013.