Sad news: Andre Watts has died

The American pianist, who was struggling with cancer, has died aged 77. He was professor at the Jacobs School of Music of Indiana University.

The son of an African-American serviceman and a Hungarian mother, born in June 1946, Watts lived in Europe until the age of 8. At 16 he played the first Liszt concerto with Leonard Bernstein on national television. Before the month was out, Bernstein booked him again in place of Glenn Gould.

Watts maintained his fame and made multiple recordings.

UPDATE: Statement by Jacob School of Music:
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. – The Indiana University Jacobs School of Music is deeply saddened to announce the death of André Watts, distinguished professor of piano and the Jack I. and Dora B. Hamlin Endowed Chair in Music, on Wednesday, July 12, at age 77.

Joining the Jacobs School of Music faculty in 2004, Watts was recognized as a legendary statesman of the art form and a piano superstar, celebrated across the globe as a musical genius. His performance career spanned more than 60 years.

“André Watts was a treasured and beloved musician, teacher, colleague and friend to so very many,” said Abra Bush, David Henry Jacobs Bicentennial Dean. “His graceful, elegant presence at the Jacobs School of Music will be deeply missed.”