Keith LeBlanc, Drummer For Sugar Hill Records And R.E.M., Dead At 69

Keith LeBlanc, a legendary drummer who worked with pioneering Hip-Hop group the Sugarhill Gang and iconic rock band R.E.M., has passed away at 69.

According to LeBlanc’s wife, Fran LeBlanc, the renowned percussionist died on Thursday (April 4) after succumbing to an undisclosed illness. Following his passing, On-U Sound, LeBlanc’s record label, released a statement announcing the news and noting his personal and professional impact.

“All of us at On-U Sound are heartbroken to share the news that the great Keith LeBlanc has passed away,” read the statement. “Keith was a major, major talent ..incredible drummer, producer and musician.. Along with Doug, Skip and also dearly missed Mark Stewart we enjoyed some of the most creative times together that shaped my musical life. Thank you Brother Keith..Love Forever. Heart and Soul.”

A native of Bristol, Ct., LeBlanc got his start in the industry as a member of the house band for seminal rap group the Sugarhill Gang, the creators of the first crossover Hip-Hop record “Rapper’s Delight” during the early ’80s.

LeBlanc, along with bandmates Doug Wimbish and Skip “Little Axe” McDonald, would work with Sugar Hill Records during the label’s infancy, contributing to notable releases such as “Apache” and “8th Wonder.” In 1982, LeBlanc lent his musical skills to Grandmaster Flash & the Furious Five’s debut studio album The Message, most notable on the standout cut “It’s Nasty”

LeBlanc would collaborate with a number of iconic acts during his career, across multiple genres, including Ministry, R.E.M., Seal, and Annie Lennox. In 1989, LeBlanc was a producer and engineer on Nine Inch Nails’ debut album Pretty Hate Machine, which is widely considered a classic in the industrial rock genre.

The musician and audio wiz also experienced success as a solo artist, most notably with his underground single “No Sell Out” in 1983. He released six solo albums during his career, with his 1986 release, Major Malfunction, being inspired by the infamous space shuttle disaster that occurred earlier that year.

VIBE sends our condolences to the LeBlanc family.

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