Frank Zappa Collaborator Allan Zavod Dead At 71

(Prog) Composer Dr. Allan Zavod, who worked with artists including Frank Zappa and Eric Clapton in his career, has died at home aged 71 after being diagnosed with brain cancer last year.

Born in Melbourne, Australia, the renowned jazz pianist also worked with Duke Ellington, Jean-Luc Ponty, Cab Calloway, George Benson, James Morrisson and many more throughout his career. He also composed more than 30 movie and TV soundtracks - including 1989 movie Communion with Clapton.

Zavod achieved a music degree from the Conservatorium at the University Of Melbourne in 1969. At the recommendation of Ellington, who watched him perform, he furthered his studies at Berklee College Of Music in Boston, US - where he later became a professor. Read more here.