Friday, March 29, 2024

WE REMEMBER/Ndugu Chancler: ‘Billie Jean’ Drummer Loses Battle with Cancer at 65

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ndugu chancler

*Drummer/musician Leon Ndugu Chancler has died. He was 65. Chancler fought bravely, but ultimately lost his battle with Cancer. As of this posting no specific details of his illness or passing are available.

Though many may not recognize his name, Chancler was one of the most prolific and sought-after drummers and musicians in the music industry. Learning how to play drums from a young age, as a student, he played with Willie Bobo and Gerald Wilson; then he went on to study at California State College.

Starting in 1970, he worked with Hugh Masekela and Herbie Hancock. Over the next few years, Chancler appeared with Thelonious Monk, Freddie Hubbard, Eddie Harris, Harold Land, Miles Davis, Santana and Joe Henderson. Between 1972 and 1980, he played regularly with George Duke. Chancler worked as a producer for Flora Purim, Bill Summers & Kenny Rogers.

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ndugu
Ndugu Chancler

Then he appeared on Michael Jackson’s mega-hit “Thriller.” Of course it was Chanclor playing drums on Billie Jean.

On an Instagram tribute, the Roots drummer Questlove broke down the simple genius of Chancler’s performance on the track.

“In my opinion, the ‘Billie Jean’ intro is the greatest example of something so simple that you take it for granted. But if you truly dissect it. It’s a complex compelling performance. The tone is spot on. Enough snap on the snare but not too thin that it enters Ska/James Brown crack snare territory.

“[The performance] literally gives MJ his DNA. You know what it is ONE SECOND in. Its creator, Jazz/funk great #NduguChancler (mind you on a GAZILLION other hit songs) passed away today. Giving all due respect and praise to the drummer that sparked a revolution of dance madness breakbeat mania.”

Chancler also played for the Weather Report and the Jazz Crusaders; toured with Carlos Santana and Wayne Shorter as well as Quincy Jones, Stanley Clarke, Donna Summer, Hubert Laws, Frank Sinatra, Lionel Richie, Kenny Rogers, Tina Turner and John Lee Hooker . With fellow musical child prodigy Patrice Rushen, he formed the duo 1 + ONE.

Additionally, Chancler has taught at the Stanford Jazz Workshop, the Young Musicians Program at Cal Berkeley and clinics around the world.

Developing …

source: Sydney Chandler

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