NEWS RELEASE The Recording Academy® Statement Re: George Duke, August 6, 2013. “GRAMMY® winner George Duke was a multitalented producer and keyboardist whose sound infused jazz, funk and R&B throughout his 40-year-plus career. His diversity as a musician can be heard on music from Frank Zappa to Michael Jackson; as well as production on albums by Al Jarreau and Dianne Reeves. His immense talent will live on through the hundreds of recordings he’s given the world, and we send our sympathies to his family, friends and all who were touched by his soulful music.” Neil PortnowPresident/CEO, The Recording Academy. News from The Recording Academy.