Joe Zawinul Hospitalized In Austria

  I  

Composer and jazz musician Joe Zawinul has been hospitalized with an undisclosed illness, Austrian officials told the Associated Press on Tuesday.

Zawinul, 75, was admitted to Vienna’s Wilhelmina Clinic on Sunday, the Viennese Hospital Association said.

The group declined to confirm reports by Austrian public broadcaster ORF that Zawinul was seriously ill, saying the musician had requested that his rights as a patient and a private person be respected. The Austrian press had reported that he was being treated in the hospital’s oncology department.

Zawinul’s BirdJAM record label told AP that it was unclear whether the Austrian-born musician would be able to play concerts scheduled for next month. Zawinul was supposed to take part in the “Jazz a la Villette” festival in Paris on Sept. 6, as well as several concerts in Vienna soon thereafter.

Zawinul has long been a pioneer in the world of electronic jazz. He found fame with Cannonball Adderley, went on to work in Miles Davis’ first electric band, then formed Weather Report with Wayne Shorter.

This past spring, he toured Europe to mark the 20th anniversary of the Zawinul Syndicate. He sought medical attention when the tour ended, the Hospital Association said.



  • Cassandra_Wilson_%40_2026_Mark_Sheldon-2_copy_2.jpg

    Wilson’s ability to connect to audiences helped her to win two Grammy awards and multiple other accolades. She was named an NEA Jazz Master in 2022.

  • Pritesh_Walia_courtesy_Pritesh_Walia.jpg

    “The love from the jazz and music community restored my faith in humanity,” Walia wrote in an online post upon his release from detention at an ICE facility.

  • Poncho.jpeg

    ​Percussionist Poncho Sanchez was among the artists scheduled to perform at the now-canceled inaugural LA Jazz Festival.

  • GB_Headshot_copy.jpg

    Bertoncini was a specialist and advocate for the nylon-string acoustic guitar, turning down high-profile opportunities that were unsuited to the sound and techniques that he used with that instrument.

  • DB26_Jessica_Molasky_John_Pizzarelli_Tony_Bennett_Courtesy_John_Pizzarelli_copy.jpeg

    Jessica Molaskey and John Pizzarelli with Tony Bennett at their wedding reception in 1998.