Kool & the Gang drummer George ‘Funky’ Brown dies

• Kool & the Gang drummer George ‘Funky’ Brown dies.
• He founded the group.
• He had been battling lung cancer.

Kool & the Gang drummer George ‘Funky’ Brown dies. He was 74, according to media reports.

Brown left the band earlier this year after being diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer.

He helped found the group nearly 60 years ago.

Brown rose to fame with Kool & the Gang, which still has a multitude of fans today.

George ‘Funky’ Brown dies

Music lovers and fans of Kool & the Gang are mourning the sad news of George Brown’s death.

At 74 years old, he lost his battle with lung cancer at his home in Los Angeles on Thursday night, according to national media reports.

Fans of the talented drummer, composer and co-founder of the iconic band  said farewell on social media.

The musician responsible for songs like ‘Jungle Boogie’ and ‘Ladies Night’ was surrounded by his loved ones when he died.

What happened to George Brown?

The news comes just a month after Brown publicly shared his cancer diagnosis during an emotional appearance on KCAL News.

On that occasion, the musician spoke openly about his experience with the disease and his difficult treatment.

George Brown is a music legend who left an indelible legacy with his contributions to iconic Kool & the Gang songs.

His unmistakable drumming style has left a lasting mark on the music scene, earning the respect and admiration of his fellow musicians.

An unparalleled career

In July of this year, Brown shared his story and his journey through the music industry in his memoir, Too Hot: Kool & the Gang & Me.

It’s an intimate portrait let fans in on the life and career of the legendary drummer, according to EFE.

Furthermore, Brown’s musical legacy continues with the release of Kool & the Gang’s 34th album, which brought renewed attention to his career.

People Just Wanna Have Fun reflects the band’s vitality and creativity, even in advanced stages of their careers.

What were George Brown’s influences?

George ‘Funky’ Brown, originally from Jersey City, New Jersey, grew up immersed in the world of jazz.

Likewise, he was influenced by drum masters such as Elvin Jones, Art Blakey and Jack DeJohnette.

His love for music led him to perform in jazz bars while he was still in high school, marking the beginning of a career that would change the musical landscape.

Brown’s skill as a songwriter was also evident in hits such as ‘Get Down On It’, ‘Cherish’ and ‘Johanna.’

The birth of Kool & the Gang

In 1969, Brown, along with talented musicians Robert ‘Kool’ Bell, Ronald Bell, Ricky West, Robert Mickens, Dennis Thomas and Charles Smith, decided to change the name of their band.

The group known until then as Jazziacs, adopted the iconic name of Kool & the Gang, according to EFE.

Subsequently, the band rose to fame, leaving a indelible mark in music history.

The climax of Brown’s career came in 1973 with the release of the album Wild and Peaceful, establishing him as a major player in the music scene.