- George Brown was the drummer for Kool & The Gang
- He has passed away at 74
- THIS was his cause of death
George Brown, the man behind the sound of happiness, succumbed to lung cancer in Los Angeles, leaving behind a legacy of platinum hits and funky beats. Brown's self-taught skills and Jersey City roots helped shape the unique sound that catapulted Kool and the Gang from local sensations to international superstars.
George helped shaped the musical landscape
With Brown's rhythmic genius, the band's 1969 debut album set the stage for a series of unstoppable hits. "Celebration," "Ladies' Night," and "Jungle Boogie" are just a few of the chart-toppers co-written by Brown that still get people on their feet.
In 1964, Brown joined Ricky Westfield, Ronald Bell, Robert "Kool" Bell, Spike Mickens, Dennis Thomas and Charles Smith to create a combination of jazz and funk music. By 1969, the group had settled on the name Kool & The Gang and officially became a band.
Along with drumming, Brown co-wrote a handful of songs including, "Ladies Night," "Too Hot," "Jungle Boogie," "Summer Madness," "Open Sesame," "Celebration" and "Cherish" among others.
Throughout Brown's career with Kool & The Gang, the band received two Grammy Awards, seven American Music Awards and 31 gold and platinum albums. The group's music has also been an inspiration to other artists, even in different genres. To this day their style continues to be emulated by musicians. Brown's influence extended far beyond the band, with samples of their music used by icons like Jay-Z and Madonna. "Totally honored," said Brown about the enduring impact of his grooves.
Earlier this year, Brown opened up about his personal battles in his memoir, 'Too Hot: Kool & the Gang & Me.' From depression to prescription drugs, he didn't shy away from his darker moments. His commitment to music never wavered, though, and this summer's release, 'People Just Wanna Have Fun,' proved he still had that magic touch.
He was a very human celebrity which endeared him to his fans!
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In all, Kool & the Gang won two Grammys, seven American Music Awards, and was inducted into the New Jersey Hall of Fame. Until he retired in August 2023, Brown toured with Kool & the Gang entertaining fans around the globe.
His family have asked, in lieu of flowers, that donations be made to the Lung Society of America. As the music community reels from the loss, Brown's family encourages donations to the Lung Society of America in lieu of flowers. Brown's philosophy was simple: make people happy through music. "Let's go make some people happy," he'd say before every show. And happy they were, dancing to the timeless rhythm of Kool and the Gang.
In the words of the legend himself, "The sound of happiness" will play on, keeping George "Funky" Brown's spirit alive in every beat.
