Huge 80s pop star dies after battle with lung cancer leaving lone band survivor
ok.co.ukIt has been confirmed that the co-founder and drummer of Kool & The Gang George 'Funky' Brown has died at the age of 74.The musician was diagnosed with stage-four lung cancer and died at his home in Los Angeles. "George Brown died November 16, 2023, in Los Angeles after a battle with cancer," a representative for Brown told TMZ. "Brown has co-written many of the band's iconic songs, including Ladies Night, Too Hot, Jungle Boogie, Celebration, and Cherish." They added: "When asked to describe his music, Brown always replied, 'The sound of happiness.'" The soulful American RnB singer has been battling cancer for a while and had even entered remission for a time before the disease sadly returned.
As well as being a seasoned pro on the drums, George - who is survived by his wife, Hannah Brown, and his five children - was also a hit songwriter, creating top-selling hits across the 70s.
A spokesperson told TMZ that donations can be made in George's honour to the Lung Cancer Society of America. Kool & The Gang formed in Jersey City, New Jersey in 1964 and by 1969 the world heard their first, self-titled album.
Other members of the band included brothers bass player Robert Bell, and keyboard player Ronald Bell, plus Dennis Thomas on the saxophone and Robert Mickens on the trumpet, Ricky West on the keyboards and guitarist Charles Smith have all passed away.The sole surviving member of the American funk and soul band is Robert 'Kool' Bell.
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