Jazz Legend Dave Brubeck Dies at 91
Dave Brubeck, jazz pianist and composer of such iconic hits as "Take Five" and "Blue Rondo a la Turk," died Wednesday of heart failure at age 91, the day before his 92nd birthday. Designated a "Living Legend" by the Library of Congress, Brubeck's innovative compositions brought creative polyrythms and unusual time signatures to the mainstream of jazz music.
Born in Concord California in 1920, Brubeck spent years working on his father's cattle ranch before seriously picking up the piano, which he played in nightclubs as he worked his way through veterinary school.
The thrill of performance lured him toward music as a professional pursuit. After a four-year stint in the military, he returned to study music full-time.
Brubeck formed the Dave Brubeck Quartet with alto saxophonist Paul Desmond in 1951. The quartet quickly rose to international prominence, touring with the likes of Duke Ellington and Ella Fitzgerald and recording some of jazz's most iconic music.
Brubeck was featured on the cover of TIME in 1954, representing the face of the "jazz rennaisance." The Quartet's 1959 record "Time Out," featuring "Blue Rondo" and "Take Five," became the first jazz album in history to sell a million copies.
Brubeck continued playing after the 1967 dissolution of the Quartet, recording his last piece in 2011.
He is survived by his wife and six children.
Watch a classic video of Brubeck on the piano here:
