The jazz world is mourning the loss of a titan, as NEA Jazz Master Jack DeJohnette Jazz Drummer has passed away at the age of 83. The news of the legendary musician’s death was confirmed on Monday, October 27, 2025. Widely recognized as one of the most innovative and versatile drummers in the genre’s history, his impact spanned over five decades.
Born in Chicago in 1942, DeJohnette first gained fame as a crucial member of Miles Davis’s late 1960s electric bands, featuring prominently on the seminal album Bitches Brew. He is perhaps best known for his long-running, decades-long collaboration with pianist Keith Jarrett and bassist Gary Peacock in the acclaimed Standards Trio.
DeJohnette’s unique, “multi-directional music” style allowed him to move seamlessly between hard bop, avant-garde, and jazz fusion, often incorporating elements of R&B and world music. His ability to fuse subtlety with explosive power on the kit influenced generations of percussionists, cementing his legacy as a true master.
The passing of the iconic Jack DeJohnette Jazz Drummer has prompted an outpouring of tributes from the music community, with peers celebrating his profound genius and kindness. His extensive catalogue of work as a leader and a sideman ensures that the rhythmic and compositional brilliance of Jack DeJohnette Jazz Drummer will endure for years to come.
