Chick Corea

Chick Corea was born Armando Anthony Corea on June 12, 1941, in Chelsea, Massachussetts, USA. He began studying piano at the age of four. He started professional career with Cab Calloway, then continued with the bands of Mongo Santamaria, trumpeter Blue Mitchell, flutist Herbie Mann and saxophonist Stan Getz. Chick Corea made his recording debut as a leader with 'Tones for Joan's Bones' (1966). In 1967, he accompanied 'Sarah Vaughan' and also performed with Dizzy Gillespie. From 1968-1970, he played piano and keyboards with Miles Davis on five albums and numerous live performances, including the August 1970 appearance at the Isle of White Festival in England, captured by director Murray Lerner in his documentary, Miles Electric: A Different Kind of Blue (2004). Chick Corea is regarded as one of the most prolific composers and recording artists of the 20th century. His albums 'Return to Forever' (1972), 'Light as a Feather' (1972), 'Hymn to the Seventh Galaxy' (1973), and Grammy-winning 'Romantic Warrior' (1976), are among the recordings that defined the style of jazz-rock. Mr. Corea has been a multi-faceted performer with a hand in every music style, ranging from the classical piano concertos by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart to acoustic and electronic experiments with fusion, cross-style, and cross-genre performances. During the 1980's and 1990's, he performed and recorded with his Akoustic Band and Elektric Band. He also wrote several film scores and other music commissions. Chick Corea is widely-acclaimed for his virtuosity on the piano as well as for his highly original music compositions. Chick Corea was awarded nine Grammy Awards for his recordings. His most popular composition "Spain" has been performed and recorded by many other musicians across the world. Chick Corea is a leader of his own band and performs over a 100 live concerts a year.