Jazz Legend Chick Corea Dead at 79

23-time Grammy-winning musician Chick Corea has died after battling “a rare form of cancer which was only discovered very recently,” according to a post on the artist’s verified Facebook page. The keyboardist, composer and bandleader was 79 years old.

“Throughout his life and career, Chick relished in the freedom and the fun to be had in creating something new, and in playing the games that artists do,” the post reads. “He was a beloved husband, father and grandfather, and a great mentor and friend to so many. Through his body of work and the decades he spent touring the world, he touched and inspired the lives of millions.”

The post also includes a heartfelt message from Corea himself:

I want to thank all of those along my journey who have helped keep the music fires burning bright. 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.