George “Funky” Brown, the legendary drummer and co-founder of Kool & the Gang, passed away at 74 after bravely battling stage 4 lung cancer.
The news was confirmed by the band’s representative, and a heartfelt statement from Brown’s family expressed the loss of their beloved husband and father.
Kool & the Gang paid tribute on social media, remembering him as the “funkiest drummer the world has ever seen.”
Brown, instrumental in hits like “Celebration” and “Ladies Night,” retired this year, marking the end of his nearly 60-year musical journey with the iconic band.
His contributions to the group’s success, including songwriting and production, earned him well-deserved recognition, with induction into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2018.
George Brown’s legacy as a key figure in the world of jazz, funk, R&B, and soul will be remembered fondly.
