Kool & The Gang drummer and founder George Brown passes away at 74

Kool & The Gang drummer George Brown passed away at his home on Friday following a battle with stage-four lung cancer. He was 74.

"George Brown died November 16, 2023, in Los Angeles after a battle with cancer," a representative for Brown said. "Brown has co-written many of the band's iconic songs, including Ladies Night, Too Hot, Jungle Boogie, Celebration, and Cherish."

The representative further said: "When asked to describe his music, Brown always replied, 'The sound of happiness.'"


Although he had successfully battled cancer in the past, the disease returned, leading to his recent demise.

Kool & The Gang, formed in 1964, achieved widespread recognition with their self-titled debut album in 1969. The founding members included George Brown, along with brothers Robert and Ronald Bell, Dennis Thomas, Robert Mickens, Ricky West, and Charles Smith. George's passing leaves Robert 'Kool' Bell as the sole surviving member of the original lineup.

The band, boasting two Grammy Awards, seven American Music Awards, and a Music Business Association Chairman's Award for artistic achievement in 2006, made significant contributions to the music industry. Kool & The Gang's breakthrough came with their fourth album in 1973, featuring hits like "Jungle Boogie" and "Hollywood Swinging." Their subsequent albums, including "Ladies Night" (1979), "Celebrate" (1980), and "Emergency" (1984), solidified their status as influential figures in the music world.

A spokesperson announced that donations in George Brown's honor can be made to the Lung Cancer Society of America. George is survived by his wife, Hannah Brown, and his five children.