Aaron Spears, Grammy-Nominated Drummer for Ariana Grande and Usher, Dies at 47

Aaron Spears, the Grammy-nominated drummer and music producer who worked with Ariana Grande, Usher, Lady Gaga and Britney Spears, among many others, has died. He was 47.

Spears’ wife Jessica announced the news on Instagram Monday, writing, “Aaron was not only an incredibly accomplished drummer, admired by many for his unparalleled talent and passion for music, but he was also a devoted father to our previous son, August. His love, guidance, and warmth were the pillars of our family, and his absence leaves a void that words cannot describe.”

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She continued, “We were blessed to have him in our lives, and his legacy will live on through the beautiful rhythms he created and the love he shared with us.”

Spears earned a Grammy nomination for his work on Usher’s 2004 album “Confessions.” The following year, the drummer performed with James Brown at the Grammy Awards ceremony.

Spears’ touring and recording credits include Lil Wayne, Carrie Underwood, Miley Cyrus, Lady Gaga, Britney Spears, Mary Mary, The Backstreet Boys, Chaka Khan, Jordin Sparks, Adam Lambert and, most recently, Ariana Grande.

“I can’t wrap my head around this,” said Grande in an Instagram Story post. “We were all so incredibly lucky to know Aaron. The absolute brightest light of a human being. Always the kindest, always smiling. I am so honored and thankful that our paths crossed and to have spent so much very special time together.”

On the television side, Spears was the music coordinator and drummer for Season 3 of “The Masked Singer.” He also served as the house drummer on the pilot episode of NBC’s “Songland” in 2019.

Spears is survived by his wife Jessica and son August.

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