Dave Brubeck was an American jazz pianist and composer who died in 2012 with a net worth of $15 million. Dave Brubeck is regarded as one of the forefathers of the cool jazz genre. He was well-known for his use of strange time signatures and opposing rhythms in his music, which can be heard on his most popular album, “Time Out.”

Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, he recorded numerous records with the Dave Brubeck Quartet and traversed the world on behalf of the United States Department of State, performing jazz music in Europe and Asia. Among his many honors are the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award and his appearance on the cover of “Time” magazine in 1954.

How did Dave Brubeck die?

Brubeck died of heart failure on December 5, 2012, one day before his 92nd birthday, in Norwalk, Connecticut. He was driving to a cardiology appointment with his son Darius. A birthday concert with family and notable visitors had been planned for him. In May 2013, a memorial service was held.

Where was Dave Brubeck buried?

Brubeck was laid to rest in the Umpawaug Cemetery in Redding, Connecticut.

Meanwhile, Dave Brubeck was born in Concord, California on December 6, 1920, to Peter and Elizabeth Brubeck. His father was a cattle rancher, while his mother was a piano teacher. Brubeck began taking piano lessons from his mother at a young age, albeit he couldn’t read music during his early lessons due to his weak eyesight.

His incapacity to read music went overlooked for a long time since he had a natural skill to perform music. Brubeck intended to work as a veterinarian on his father’s ranch. In 1938, he enrolled in the College of the Pacific in Stockton, California, to study veterinary science.

However, it became evident to him over time that he was far more interested in music, and he finally changed his major to music. He was nearly dismissed from school after it was discovered that he couldn’t sight-read music. However, a few instructors defended him, claiming that he has outstanding ability in counterpoint and harmony. He was permitted to finish his degree but had to vow never to teach piano again.

Brubeck was recruited into the United States Army after obtaining his music degree in 1942. He was a member of George S. Patton’s Third Army in Europe. His exceptional musical aptitude was discovered when he offered to play piano at a Red Cross event, and he was spared military service. Brubeck then formed The Wolfpack, the United States military’s first racially integrated band.