George Brown, Drummer And Co-Founder Of Kool & The Gang, Dead At 74
George “Funky” Brown, co-founder and drummer of Kool & The Gang, has died at 74.
According to a statement released by the R&B, Soul, and Funk band, Brown died from a battle with stage 4 lung cancer on Thursday (Nov. 16). The musician reportedly retired earlier this year.
“In loving memory of our dear brother, co-founder and the funkiest drummer the world has ever seen,” wrote the group on their official Instagram account. “His beautiful soul is now at rest. We love you, George. Thank you for giving us the sound of happiness.”
As noted in a tribute to Brown by K&TG, he helped write huge hits including “Too Hot,” “Ladies Night,” “Joanna,” and the classic party anthem “Celebration.” When asked how he would describe his music, Brown always replied that it is “the sound of happiness.”
In 1964, Brown joined Ricky Westfield, Ronald, and his brother, Robert “Kool” Bell, Spike Mickens, Dennis Thomas, and Charles Smith to create the award-winning band. Initially naming themselves the Jazziacs, the band went through a plethora of titles before landing on their famous moniker, Kool & the Gang. Five years later, the band officially launched, becoming one of the most beloved Funk, Soul, and R&B groups.
The Jersey City, N.J. assemble to-date has earned two GRAMMY Awards, seven American Music Awards, 25 Top 10 R&B hits, nine Top 10 Pop hits, and 31 Gold and Platinum albums.
Brown, along with K&TG’s influence, has been heavily sampled amongst huge acts including JAY-Z, Madonna, Janet Jackson, Mase, DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince, De La Soul, A Tribe Called Quest, Nas, N.W.A., Kris’s Kross, Jermaine Dupri, and many more.
The Hall of Famers were actually scheduled to head out on a 17-city tour starting January 2024 in promo of their new album People Just Wanna Have Fun. The Kool and the Gang Rock the World Tour was set to hit major cities including Los Angeles, Orlando, and Las Vagas, as well as Mexico City and London.
The album’s lead single, “Let’s Party,” debuted in October 2022. Reportedly, Bell and Brown deemed their 34th album, a “summation of their long career.” The LP also included some of the last work of members, Ronald “Khalis” Bell and Dennis “D.T.” Thomas, who both passed in 2020 and 2021, respectively.
Ahead of his untimely death, Brown also released his 2023 memoir Too Hot: Kool & The Gang And Me. He’s survived by his wife Hanh Brown and children: Dorian Melvin, Jorge Lewis, Gregory, Jordan Xuan Clarence, and Aaron Tien Joseph Brown.
In lieu of flowers, Brown’s family has requested that monetary donations be made in his honor to the Lung Cancer Society of America.
VIBE sends condolences to George Brown’s family and friends at this time.
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