Remembering Jack DeJohnette through his work with Freddie Hubbard

November 02, 2025

On October 26, 2025, the legendary jazz drummer Jack DeJohnette passed away at the age of 83. DeJohnette was one of the greatest drummers in modern jazz. He released more than 50 albums as a bandleader and appeared on hundreds of recordings as a sideman — including landmark sessions such as Miles Davis’ “Bitches Brew”, Wayne Shorter’s “Super Nova”, and Keith Jarrett’s “Standards”, among many others. DeJohnette also recorded six classic albums with Naptown jazz icon Freddie Hubbard. This week on Echoes of Indiana Avenue, we’ll share music highlighting Freddie Hubbard’s collaborations with Jack DeJohnette. 

Born in Chicago in 1942, DeJohnette began his musical journey studying classical piano before switching to drums — a duality that shaped his melodic sensibility behind the kit. He rose to prominence in the 1960s through his work with jazz luminaries including Charles Lloyd, Chick Corea, Bill Evans, and Miles Davis. During his six-decade career, DeJohnette led numerous ensembles and recorded prolifically, creating a distinctive sound that fused jazz traditions with abstract and avant-garde influences. A National Endowment for the Arts Jazz Master and Grammy Award winner, DeJohnette was a guiding force in the evolution of modern jazz.