Prominent ’80s pop sensation passes away following a struggle with lung cancer, leaving behind the sole surviving member of the band
The sad news has just come in confirming the passing of George 'Funky' Brown, the drummer of Kool & The Gang, at the age of 74. He peacefully passed away at his home in Los Angeles after bravely fighting stage-four lung cancer.
George ‘Funky’ Brown, the co-founder and drummer of Kool & The Gang, has passed away at the age of 74. The musician, who was diagnosed with stage-four lung cancer, peacefully passed away at his residence in Los Angeles. According to a representative for Brown speaking to TMZ, he died on November 16, 2023, after bravely battling cancer.
Brown’s legacy spans through co-writing numerous iconic songs for the band, including hits like Ladies Night, Too Hot, Jungle Boogie, Celebration, and Cherish. Describing his music, Brown would often say, “The sound of happiness.”
This soulful American RnB singer had been confronting cancer for some time, even experiencing a period of remission before the illness sadly resurfaced.
George, a skilled drummer and acclaimed songwriter, leaves behind his wife, Hannah Brown, and their five children. His musical prowess yielded chart-topping hits throughout the 1970s.
According to a spokesperson speaking to TMZ, contributions in memory of George can be directed to the Lung Cancer Society of America.
Kool & The Gang originated in Jersey City, New Jersey in 1964, with their inaugural self-titled album reaching global audiences by 1969.
The band comprised siblings Robert Bell on bass and Ronald Bell on keyboards, alongside Dennis Thomas on saxophone and Robert Mickens on trumpet. Regrettably, Ricky West on keyboards and guitarist Charles Smith have both passed away.
The last remaining member of the American funk and soul band is Robert ‘Kool’ Bell.
Over the years, the band garnered two Grammy Awards, seven American Music Awards, and, in 2006, received a Music Business Association Chairman’s Award for their artistic accomplishments.
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