Kool & the Gang drummer George “Funky” Brown dies, aged 74
Kool & the Gang’s drummer and founding member George “Funky” Brown had died, aged 74.
A consultant for Kool & the Gang issued an announcement to TMZ asserting the information yesterday (November 18) and revealing that Brown died on November 16 following a protracted battle with most cancers. Brown was reportedly recognized with lung most cancers three years in the past.
The assertion learn: “George Brown died November 16, 2023 in Los Angeles after a battle with most cancers. Brown has co-written lots of the band’s iconic songs, together with ‘Women Evening’, ‘Too Sizzling,’ ‘Jungle Boogie,’ ‘Celebration,’ and ‘Cherish.’ When requested to explain his music, Brown at all times replied, ‘The sound of happiness.’”
Throughout his close to 50-year tenure with the band, Brown performed drums, keyboard and contributed backing vocals. He was additionally one of many group’s major songwriters.
Regardless of having most cancers, Brown contributed to Kool & the Gang’s most up-to-date album, ‘Individuals Simply Wanna Have Enjoyable’, which was launched in July.
In the identical month, Brown additionally revealed his memoir, Too Sizzling: Kool & the Gang & Me.
Tributes have poured in for the musician on social media. Nile Rogers wrote on Twitter/X: “#RIPGeorgeBrown – Songwriters Corridor of Fame, Kool & The Gang legendary drummer and pal. Heartfelt condolences exit to your loved ones, mates and the funk.”
See extra of the tributes under:
#RIPGeorgeBrown – Songwriters Corridor of Famer, Kool & The Gang legendary drummer and pal. Heartfelt condolences exit to your loved ones, mates and the funk. pic.twitter.com/25MPkWK7IT
— Nile Rodgers (@nilerodgers) November 17, 2023
George Brown, co-founder, drummer, songwriter of Kool & The Gang greatest recognized for the worldwide hits “Women Evening,” “Get Down On It,” “Recent, Celebration,” “Too Sizzling,” “Jungle Boogie,” “Joanna,” died November 16, 2023 in Los Angeles, CA after a battle with most cancers. He was 74. pic.twitter.com/mwQkBvDUDR
— Kool & the Gang (@KoolntheGngLIVE) November 18, 2023
Ahh i am unhappy to listen to the information about George Brown from
Kool and the Gang passing away. George got here on my Present when i first began out, and was so extremely pretty to interview 💔 pic.twitter.com/ZGaZ4GHTwO— Hayley Palmer Presenter (@presenterhayley) November 17, 2023
RIP George Brown. #KoolandTheGang 🙏🎶😔 pic.twitter.com/UidNJiRqeD
— John Matthews (@UNDERCOVER_JM) November 17, 2023
Remembering #GeorgeBrown Co-Founder drummer and Songwriter for Kool and the Gang… https://t.co/xXNn5QgUGC through @YouTube pic.twitter.com/LpsiWGwcjT
— Patty Jackson (@MsPattyJackson) November 18, 2023
The band launched their self-titled debut album in 1969. After releasing two extra dwell albums, 1973’s ‘Wild And Peaceable’ was their breakthrough. Extra success arrived in 1979 with ‘Women’ Evening’, an album that turned their first platinum-selling work.
Samples from Kool And The the Gang’s music has been used broadly by artists together with Beastie Boys, Jay-Z, Janet Jackson and Madonna. As reported in The Guardian, Brown beforehand spoke about how he was “completely honoured” by how usually his music had been reused.
His household have requested that donations be made to the Lung Society of America instead of flowers.
Brown is survived by his spouse and 5 kids.
This can be a breaking information story – extra to observe