George "Funky" Brown Co-founder of Kool & The Gang died of cancer at 74
George "Funky" Brown, co-founder and drummer of Kool & The Gang, has died at the age of 74. The record company Universal Music announced that Brown had succumbed to the consequences of cancer.
03.07.2024, 08:21
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- George "Funky" Brown, the legendary drummer of Kool & The Gang, has died.
- The musician was 74 years old.
- Brown, who died on Thursday in Los Angeles, suffered from lung cancer.
George "Funky" Brown had retired from the music business a few months ago this year, almost 60 years after the beginnings of Kool & The Gang, for whom he co-wrote hits such as "Too Hot", "Ladies Night", "Joanna" and "Celebration".
Brown said he had been diagnosed with lung cancer.
With a catchy mix of jazz, funk and soul, which Brown liked to call "the sound of joy", Kool & The Gang sold millions of records and were also awarded a Grammy.
From Jazziac to Kool & The Gang
George "Funky" Brown founded the group, originally called Jazziac, in 1964 together with friends such as bassist Robert "Kool" Bell, his brother Ronald Bell on keyboards and guitarist Charles Smith.
After several name and personnel changes, Kool & The Gang made their breakthrough in the mid-70s with "Jungle Boogie" and "Hollywood Swinging", among others.
By the mid-80s, further hits were added, such as the ballads "Cherish" and "Joanna", and the hit track "Celebration", which is still part of the standard program at many parties today.
In 2023, Brown produced the band's last album, "People Just Wanna Have Fun". He also published his memoirs entitled "Too Hot: Kool & The Gang & Me".
