Kool & the Gang drummer George “Funky” Brown dies, aged 74
nme.comKool & the Gang’s drummer and founding member George “Funky” Brown had died, aged 74.A representative for Kool & the Gang issued a statement to TMZ announcing the news yesterday (November 18) and revealing that Brown died on November 16 following a long battle with cancer.
Brown was reportedly diagnosed with lung cancer three years ago.The statement read: “George Brown died November 16, 2023 in Los Angeles after a battle with cancer.
Brown has co-written many of the band’s iconic songs, including ‘Ladies Night’, ‘Too Hot,’ ‘Jungle Boogie,’ ‘Celebration,’ and ‘Cherish.’ When asked to describe his music, Brown always replied, ‘The sound of happiness.'”During his near 50-year tenure with the band, Brown played drums, keyboard and contributed backing vocals.
He was also one of the group’s primary songwriters.Despite having cancer, Brown contributed to Kool & the Gang’s most recent album, ‘People Just Wanna Have Fun’, which was released in July.In the same month, Brown also published his memoir, Too Hot: Kool & the Gang & Me.Tributes have poured in for the musician on social media.
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