George Duke (1946–2013) was a pioneering American keyboardist, composer, and producer whose career spanned jazz, funk, R&B, and fusion. Born in San Rafael, California, he began piano lessons at age seven, inspired by a Duke Ellington concert. Duke's versatility led him to collaborate with legends like Frank Zappa, Miles Davis, and Michael Jackson. As a solo artist, he released over 30 albums, including the acclaimed "A Brazilian Love Affair." His innovative use of synthesizers and genre-blending compositions left an indelible mark on modern music. ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Duke?utm_source=openai))