25/07/2025
🙏🏼😢
The music world is mourning the loss of one of their own. American flugelhorn player, composer, and bandleader, Chuck Mangione, who rose to prominence in the 1970s with his distinctive blend of jazz, pop, and easy listening, has died - this according to TMZ.
Mangione first gained attention as a member of Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers in the 1960s. He later formed his own band with his brother, Gap Mangione, establishing a signature sound that emphasized melodic improvisation and lush orchestration.
Mangione achieved widespread fame with the release of his 1977 album, “Feels So Good”, whose title track became a crossover hit and a staple on both jazz and pop radio stations. Known for his warm tone and expressive phrasing on the flugelhorn, he brought jazz to a broader audience during a time when fusion and smooth jazz were gaining popularity.
Throughout his career, Mangione released numerous albums, composed music for film and television, and performed with major orchestras. He was nominated for multiple Grammy Awards, winning twice - once for Best Instrumental Composition for “Bellavia” in 1977 and again for Best Pop Instrumental Performance for Children of Sanchez in 1979.
In addition to his music, Mangione became a pop culture icon, appearing in various media including a recurring animated caricature of himself on the television show “King of the Hill”. He remained active in music for decades, continuing to tour and perform until his retirement.
Mangione's contributions to jazz and popular music left a lasting legacy marked by emotional resonance, technical skill, and a deep commitment to musical accessibility.
Mangione was 84, at the time of his passing. His memory will live on through his music.
