Jazz Pianist Chick Corea Has Died, Age 79

Throughout his 50 year career, Corea is the fourth most nominated artist in Grammys history — with 65 nominations and 23 wins

The Grammy-award winning American musician passed away this week from a rare form of cancer.

Most known for his hit compositions such as "Spain" and "500 Miles High," Corea's ensemble, Return to Forever, was a driving force of the jazz fusion movement.

He also played with trumpeter Miles Davis in the late 1960s, and was featured on the jazz/rock album, Bitches Brew.

His influence spanned multiple genres and artists, and an outpoor of tributes have flooded social media.

An Instagram post announcing the artist's death included a final message from him:

“I want to thank all of those along my journey who have helped keep the music fires burning bright,” he said. “It is my hope that those who have an inkling to play, write, perform or otherwise, do so. If not for yourself then for the rest of us. It’s not only that the world needs more artists, it’s also just a lot of fun.”