Chick Corea Net Worth, Age, Height, Career, Family, Bio 2025

Chick Corea, born Armando Anthony Corea on June 12, 1941, in Chelsea, Massachusetts, U.S., was a legendary jazz pianist, composer, and bandleader. Known for his pioneering contributions to jazz fusion, Corea was a 28-time Grammy Award winner, with iconic compositions such as “Spain,” “500 Miles High,” “La Fiesta,” and “Armando’s Rhumba” becoming jazz standards.

As a key member of Miles Davis’s band in the late 1960s, Corea played a crucial role in the development of jazz fusion, later forming his own influential bands, including Return to Forever, the Elektric Band, and the Akoustic Band. His career spanned over five decades, during which he explored post-bop, Latin jazz, avant-garde jazz, and classical music.

Even after his passing in February 2021, Corea’s legacy continues to shape modern jazz, with posthumous releases and tributes celebrating his contributions. His collaboration with banjo virtuoso Béla Fleck, titled Remembrance, is set for release in 2025, serving as a testament to his lasting impact on the music world.

In this article, we will explore Chick Corea’s biography, career, net worth, early life, family, relationships, and his lasting musical legacy.

Chick Corea Short Details

Early Life and Education

Chick Corea was born to Anna and Armando J. Corea, a Dixieland trumpet player who introduced him to music at an early age. By the age of four, Corea was already learning piano, and by eleven, he was also playing drums.

His early influences included jazz legends such as Dizzy Gillespie, Charlie Parker, Bud Powell, and Horace Silver. As a teenager, he played gigs in Boston and later moved to New York City, where he studied at Columbia University and Juilliard. However, he soon dropped out to pursue his jazz career full-time.

Career Journey

1960s: Early Career & Miles Davis

• Corea began his career playing with Mongo Santamaria, Willie Bobo, Blue Mitchell, Herbie Mann, and Stan Getz.
• His debut album, Tones for Joan’s Bones (1966), showcased his unique style.
• In 1968, Corea joined Miles Davis’s band, playing on In a Silent Way (1969) and Bitches Brew (1970), two of the most influential jazz fusion albums of all time.
• He left Davis’s band in 1970 to explore more avant-garde jazz, forming the Circle quartet.

1970s: Return to Forever & Jazz Fusion Innovation

• In 1972, Corea founded Return to Forever, a jazz fusion band incorporating Latin, rock, and funk influences.
• The group’s 1976 album Romantic Warrior remains a jazz fusion classic, alongside works featuring Al Di Meola, Stanley Clarke, and Lenny White.
• In 1976, he released My Spanish Heart, incorporating flamenco and Latin jazz elements.

1980s–1990s: Duets & Classical Crossovers

• Corea formed The Elektric Band and The Akoustic Band, showcasing both electronic and acoustic jazz.
• He collaborated with Gary Burton, Herbie Hancock, and Béla Fleck, blending jazz with classical, bluegrass, and world music.
• His duet performances with Hancock and Gary Burton received critical acclaim.

2000s–2021: Late Career & Legacy

• Corea continued to tour and record in various styles, from straight-ahead jazz to fusion and classical experiments.
• In 2006, he won a Grammy Award for Ultimate Adventure.
• In 2016, he celebrated his 75th birthday with a six-week residency at the Blue Note Jazz Club in New York City, playing with over 20 different ensembles.
• Corea remained active until his passing in 2021, releasing Trilogy 2 (2021) with Christian McBride and Brian Blade.

Posthumous Releases & 2025 Tribute Album

Despite his passing in 2021, Corea’s influence continues to grow.

• In 2024, Béla Fleck announced Remembrance, a posthumous album featuring unreleased recordings from their long-standing collaboration.
• Corea’s compositions continue to be performed worldwide, and new projects celebrating his jazz and classical legacy are in development.

Personal Life

Chick Corea was married twice. His second wife, Gayle Moran, was also a jazz pianist and vocalist. Together, they shared a passion for music and performance.

Corea was a Scientologist and credited L. Ron Hubbard’s teachings as an influence on his personal and artistic philosophy.

He passed away on February 9, 2021, in Tampa, Florida, due to a rare form of cancer. His final message to fans emphasized his love for music and gratitude to those who supported his journey.

Chick Corea Net Worth & Income Sources (2025 Updated)

Corea’s estimated net worth at the time of his passing was between $10–15 million, amassed from:

• Album Sales & Streaming – Over 90 studio and live albums released.
• Concerts & Tours – Global tours with Return to Forever, Elektric Band, and solo projects.
• Music Publishing – Earnings from jazz standards like “Spain” and “500 Miles High”.
• Collaborations & Producing – Worked with Miles Davis, Béla Fleck, Herbie Hancock, and more.

Lesser-Known Facts About Chick Corea

1. He was originally a drummer before focusing on piano.
2. His real name was Armando Corea, but he was nicknamed “Chick” by his aunt.
3. He played on Miles Davis’s legendary album Bitches Brew.
4. He was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1999.
5. His composition “Spain” is one of the most performed jazz pieces worldwide.
6. He was fluent in classical music and composed orchestral works.
7. He frequently collaborated with musicians outside of jazz, including flamenco guitarist Paco De Lucía and banjoist Béla Fleck.
8. He won more Grammy Awards than any other jazz musician.
9. He continued playing music until his final days, leaving a vast unreleased catalog.

Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available information and is for informational purposes only.