George Winston, a Grammy-winning pianist known for his soothing new-age instrumentals, died Sunday after a 10-year battle with cancer, according to a statement on their website released Tuesday. She was 73 years old.
“George left this world quietly and painlessly in his sleep,” the statement read.
Winston had been dealing with myelodysplastic syndrome, a cancer for which he had a bone marrow transplant a decade ago that extended his life. He was forced to postpone his 2023 tour due to his health issues, but was aiming to return to touring the next year.
Winston won the Grammy for Best New Age Album in 1996 for his seventh studio album, “Forest.” It was nominated four other times during his career for Best New Age Album, Best Pop Instrumental Album, and Best Children’s Recording. His 16 albums, spanning more than 50 years, have sold a total of 15 million copies. His latest album, “Night”, was released by RCA Records in May 2022.
Winston also made tribute recordings for notable artists such as Vince Guaraldi and The Doors, and contributed charity recordings to a Hurricane Katrina relief benefit, Gulf Coast and Louisiana Wetlands benefits, 9/11 benefit, and a cancer research benefit for City of Hope. He also contributed to the “Peanuts” episode “This Is America Charlie Brown: The Birth Of The Constitution,” among others.
“Throughout his cancer treatments, George continued to write and record new music, staying true to his greatest passion: performing for live audiences while raising funds for Feeding America to help fight the national hunger crisis along with the donation of proceeds from each of his concerts. to local food banks,” the statement continued.
Winston is survived by his sister, niece and nephew.
