Lyle Mays, the Grammy-winning jazz keyboardist and co-founder of the Pat Metheny Group, passed away on February 10, 2020, at the age of 66. His death was announced by the Pat Metheny group on their website and social media platforms, stating that he died in Los Angeles after “a long battle with a recurring illness.”
A Musical Genius
Mays was born on November 27, 1953, in Wausaukee, Wisconsin. He showed an early interest in music, chess, mathematics, and architecture. He learned to play piano and organ from his mother, and also taught himself guitar, trumpet, accordion, and other instruments. He attended the University of North Texas, where he composed and arranged for the One O’Clock Lab Band and was nominated for a Grammy Award for his album Lab 75
He met guitarist Pat Metheny at the Wichita Jazz Festival in 1975, and soon formed the Pat Metheny Group with him. The group became one of the most successful and influential jazz fusion bands of all time, blending elements of jazz, rock, folk, world music, and classical music. Mays was the main composer and arranger for the group, as well as playing piano, keyboards, synthesizers, and occasionally other instruments. He won 11 Grammy Awards with the Pat Metheny Group and was nominated for four more for his solo work
Mays also composed and recorded music for children’s audiobooks, such as East of the Sun, West of the Moon and The Tale of Peter Rabbit, narrated by Meryl Streep. He also collaborated with artists such as Joni Mitchell, Earth Wind & Fire, Paul McCandless, Eberhard Weber, Pedro Aznar, and many others
A Mysterious Illness
The exact nature and cause of Mays’ illness was not revealed publicly by him or his family. However, some clues can be found in various sources online.
According to a Reddit post by his niece Aubrey Johnson , Mays had been suffering from “a rare form of blood cancer” for several years. She also said that he had undergone a stem cell transplant in 2017, which seemed to have worked well initially but later failed.
According to an interview with JAZZIZ magazine in 2016 , Mays said that he had been diagnosed with “a rare neurological condition” that affected his balance and coordination. He also said that he had been working as a software development manager because of changes in the music industry.
According to a TEDx talk he gave at Caltech in 2011 , Mays said that he had been dealing with “a chronic health issue” that made him rethink his priorities and values. He also said that he had been exploring new ways of expressing himself creatively through mathematics and computer programming.
A Legacy of Inspiration
Mays’ death was met with an outpouring of grief and tribute from his fans, friends, colleagues, and fellow musicians. Many expressed their admiration for his musical genius, his originality, his versatility, his humility, and his kindness.
Pat Metheny wrote on his website: “Lyle was one of the greatest musicians I have ever known. Across more than 30 years, every moment we shared in music was special. From the first notes we played together, we had an immediate bond. His broad intelligence and musical wisdom informed every aspect of who he was in every way. I will miss him with all my heart.”
Jazz pianist Brad Mehldau wrote on Twitter: “Lyle Mays was a hero to me; I listened to him constantly when I was a kid; he was such a beautiful musician; I’m so sad to hear this news today.”
Jazz keyboardist Herbie Hancock wrote on Facebook: “Lyle Mays was an extraordinary musician whose incredible talent added so much beauty to this world. I’m grateful for the times we played together both live and in the studio. My deepest condolences go out to his family and loved ones.”
Lyle Mays cause of death Reddit is a topic that has sparked a lot of curiosity and speculation among his fans and admirers. While the details remain unclear, what is certain is that he left behind a legacy of inspiration and innovation that will live on through his music and his memory.
