WKCR honors the life and music of Jack DeJohnette, who passed away on October 27, 2025 at the age of 83, with a 16-hour memorial broadcast. He was born in Chicago in 1942. He started his career not as a jazz drummer, but as a classical pianist. He fell in love with jazz by listening to the 78s that his uncle, who was a DJ, played on the radio. In Chicago, he was active in the Association for the Advancement of Creative Musicians, through which he would meet future collaborators like Roscoe Mitchell and Muhal Richard Abrams. In 1966, he played with the Charles Lloyd Quartet alongside Keith Jarrett (who was to become a close collaborator) and Cecil McBee. As jazz continued to expand its sonic palette and encounter and absorb other musical traditions, Jack proved the artist for every job. He joined Miles Davis (replacing Tony Williams) in 1969 and was the primary drummer on the pivotal album Bitches Brew. He played in what many now call the “Standards Trio” with Keith Jarrett and Gary Peacock, which recorded extensively for ECM in the ‘80s. All the while, he led his own bands and launched his own record label. He was recognized as an NEA Jazz Master in 2012. Mr. DeJohnette’s beat spurred this music forward and his mark shines forever on some of the most innovative releases in jazz.

We extend our heartfelt condolences to Jack’s family, friends, collaborators, and listeners. We are honored to pay him tribute and ensure that his legacy lives on. Listeners can tune in to our Jack DeJohnette Memorial Broadcast (5 AM - 9 PM ET) on 89.9FM or stream the memorial broadcast live on our website, wkcr.org. Follow WKCR on Instagram (@wkcr) and Twitter (@WKCRFM) for updates about this broadcast and future events. As always, online listening is available 24/7 at wkcr.org via our web stream.