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Chick Corea Chick Corea, born Armando Anthony Corea on June 12, 1941, in Chelsea, Massachusetts, was an iconic American jazz pianist, keyboardist, composer, and bandleader known for his innovative approach to music, his virtuosic piano playing, and his prolific output. Corea's career spanned over six decades, during which he established himself as one of the most influential and celebrated musicians in the history of jazz. Corea began playing piano at a young age and showed exceptional talent early on. He studied music at Columbia University before moving to New York City in the early 1960s to pursue a career in jazz. Corea quickly gained recognition for his distinctive playing style, which blended elements of bebop, modal jazz, and avant-garde jazz. Corea rose to prominence in the 1970s with a series of acclaimed albums recorded for the ECM record label. His 1973 album "Return to Forever" is considered a classic of the jazz fusion genre and features his innovative playing on tracks like "Spain" and "La Fiesta." Corea's work with his band Return to Forever helped popularize jazz fusion and established him as one of the leading figures in the genre. In addition to his work with Return to Forever, Corea was also a prolific solo artist and collaborator, recording and performing with some of the greatest musicians in jazz, including Miles Davis, Herbie Hancock, and Stanley Clarke. His music was known for its complex harmonies, adventurous improvisations, and its ability to blend diverse musical influences into a cohesive and compelling whole. Corea's influence on jazz and music as a whole is immeasurable. His innovative approach to music, his virtuosic piano playing, and his genre-spanning musical style have had a lasting impact on generations of musicians. He remains one of the most respected and admired musicians in the world, and his legacy as a true master of jazz is secure. Corea passed away on February 9, 2021, but his music continues to inspire and influence musicians and audiences around the world.