Mulgrew Miller suffered a major stroke yesterday (May 23).

UPDATE: May 28, 2013 – 10:44: Many people are tweeting that Mulgrew Miller has passed away – We can confirm that this is not true. He is certainly still with us, with one source saying earlier that he had shown “small signs of improvement” but is still in a critical condition.

The iconic pianist is said to be in critical condition, and is currently in intensive care.

Reports indicate this is Miller’s second stroke, following a similar incident in 2011. Miller fully recovered from his last stroke, so hopes are high that he will be able to recover once again.

Miller’s fans and followers have been sending their thoughts and prayers to Miller, including Geoffrey Keezer who tweeted: “Pls send healing thoughts, prayers to our dear Mulgrew Miller who suffered a bad stroke yesterday. We’re gonna need the spiritual big guns.”

Sending love and healing light to the wonderful pianist Mulgrew Miller who suffered a stroke yesterday. We see a complete recovery. — Charlie Haden (@charliehaden) May 25, 2013

Our thoughts are with the great pianist Mulgrew Miller and his family, as we wish him a speedy recovery. — JazzatLincolnCenter (@jazzdotorg) May 25, 2013

Sending prayers to Mulgrew Miller. A strong brotha and shinning light. — Terence Blanchard (@T_Blanchard) May 24, 2013

Miller, 57, started out playing gospel music at his local church before moving on to R&B at local dances and cocktail parties. He set his mind on becoming a Jazz pianist after seeing Oscar Peterson on the television, and eventually went on to launch his musical career as a member of Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers. He has since gone on the feature on more than 400 recordings, and become a true legend of Jazz whose style should certainly be studied by anyone looking to master the keys.

Miller was the Artist in Residence at Lafayette College from 2008-2009, and has been travelling around the U.S. since then offering his wealth of experience at universities across the U.S. He was most recently seen at the The University of New Orleans teaching a public masterclass in Jazz.

Video: Mulgrew Miller – “Grew’s Tune”

Video: Can Jazz Improvisation be taught?