Jazz guitarist Larry Coryell, ‘Godfather of Fusion,’ dies at 73

NEW YORK — Jazz guitarist Larry Coryell, known as the “Godfather of Fusion,” has died in New York City. He was 73.His publicist, Kurt Nishimura, said Coryell died Sunday in his hotel room of natural causes. Nishimura says he had just...

Jazz guitarist Larry Coryell, ‘Godfather of Fusion,’ dies at 73

NEW YORK — Jazz guitarist Larry Coryell, known as the “Godfather of Fusion,” has died in New York City. He was 73.

His publicist, Kurt Nishimura, said Coryell died Sunday in his hotel room of natural causes. Nishimura says he had just performed two shows at the Iridium on Friday and Saturday.

• INFLUENCED ROCK AND JAZZ: Listen to a live Larry Coryell performance from 1975

Coryell grew up in the Seattle area. After taking up the guitar, he moved to New York City in 1965.

• BANDLEADER: Larry Coryell and 11th House live in 1975

Coryell’s eclectic career includes collaborations with many of the jazz greats, including Miles Davis, Gary Burton, Alphonse Mouzon and Chet Baker. His works often mixed jazz, classical and rock ingredients.

• EARLY FUSION: Larry Coryell with Gary Burton in 1967

In 1969, he recorded “Spaces,” his most noted album. Many say it sparked the emergence of the jazz fusion movement.

Coryell is survived by his wife, two daughters and two sons.

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