Photo: Georgeduke.com
The keyboardist died aged 67 after a battle with chronic lymphocytic leukemia at St John's Hospital in Los Angeles. His death was revealed by former Supremes singer Scherrie Payne, who told the press of her devastation at the news of Duke's death.
"I just received the devastating and sad news that the great musician, George Duke, passed away this evening," she said.
"It was just one year earlier, 18 July, that his beloved wife and my friend, Corine, went to be with the Lord."
Duke's wife Corine had died from cancer a year previous.
Watch George Duke perform his 'Someday' rhodes solo below
Since the news broke, stars influenced by George Duke have taken to Twitter to express their sadness at his passing, with Nile Rodgers of Chic and Daft Punk fame leading the tributes.
"George Duke RIP my co-music director Montreux Jazz 2006 - Your funk made us," the 'Get Lucky' star tweeted.
Soul singer Anita Baker, a long time collaborator of Duke's, told followers: "R.I.P. George Duke, Legendary Jazz/Funk Keyboardist/Producer."
George Duke's influence remains today, with Justin Timberlake honouring the man he refers to as a 'legend', writing online: "RIP George Duke. Funk, Jazz, MUSIC Legend... One of the GREATEST."
Funk legend George Clinton wrote: "Our thoughts + prayers to your family. Rest in peace George Duke."
US soul star Raphael Saadiq added: "George Duke, some of his work, theres so many, this is my childhood joint, Say That You Will."
