Jack DeJohnette, a pioneering jazz drummer who redefined the role of percussion in modern jazz through his innovative style and remarkable versatility, died on October 26, 2025, at the age of 83.
Born in Chicago on August 9, 1942, DeJohnette commenced his musical journey at age four with classical piano studies at the Chicago Conservatory of Music before taking up drums at 14. His early career in Chicago involved playing with future members of the Association for the Advancement of Creative Musicians, including Muhal Richard Abrams and Roscoe Mitchell, establishing foundations for his expansive musical vision. His musical foundation was shaped by his uncle Roy Wood Sr., a prominent Chicago disc jockey who co-founded the National Black Network.
Chicago-born DeJohnette’s classical piano training and early collaborations with AACM pioneers laid groundwork for his boundless musical perspective.
DeJohnette’s move to New York in 1966 proved pivotal, leading to collaborations with Charles Lloyd, Jackie McLean, and a significant stint with Bill Evans’ trio in 1968. That same year, he released his debut album as leader, “The DeJohnette Complex,” showcasing his compositional talents alongside his percussive prowess.
His most influential period began when he joined Miles Davis’ group in 1968, contributing to groundbreaking albums like “Bitches Brew,” “Live-Evil,” and “On the Corner.” Davis himself praised DeJohnette’s “deep groove” as essential to his revolutionary fusion sound. These recordings fundamentally altered jazz’s trajectory, blending traditional elements with rock and electronic influences. DeJohnette’s multi-directional approach to music allowed him to seamlessly merge various influences without rigid categorization.
Following his tenure with Davis, DeJohnette initiated a prolific career as bandleader and collaborator, releasing dozens of albums that consistently pushed musical boundaries. DeJohnette’s dedication to structured practice helped him develop his distinctive sound while continually evolving as an artist. Throughout his decades of performing, he maintained proper ergonomics to avoid the injuries that plague many drummers, allowing him to sustain his dynamic playing well into his later years. His playing style, characterized by textural innovation and rhythmic fluidity, earned him two Grammy Awards and six additional nominations.
Throughout his six-decade career, DeJohnette maintained an unwavering commitment to musical evolution, integrating elements from jazz, rock, avant-garde, and world music. He was inducted into the Modern Drummer Hall of Fame in 2007 and received the prestigious NEA Jazz Masters Fellowship.
DeJohnette’s legacy endures through his expansive discography and profound influence on generations of musicians who continue to draw inspiration from his technical brilliance, stylistic diversity, and artistic fearlessness—qualities that forever changed the language of jazz drumming.
