Jazz visionary Joe Zawinul dead at 75

Jazz fusion co-creator and multi-instrumentalist Josef Erich Zawinul, contemporary of artists such as Herbie Hancock and Chick Corea, died early this morning in Vienna, Austria. He was 75.

The late great performer, most famous for founding Weather Report, was afflicted with a rare form of skin cancer, according to Zawinul's manager Risa Zincke. He had won critical acclaim for his work recording with jazz legend Miles Davis, and has been credited with bringing the widespread use of the electric keyboard and synthesizers into jazz circles.

“Joe Zawinul was born on July 7, 1932 in earth time," said son Erich Zawinul in a statement released today, "and on September 11, 2007 in eternal time."

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