Legendary R&B drummer James Gadson has died at the age of 86, with tributes pouring in from across the music industry including from Ghostbusters star Ray Parker Jr who confirmed the news
Tributes have poured in for iconic R&B drummer James Gadson following his passing at the age of 86.
The news was confirmed by Ghostbusters star Ray Parker Jr in an Instagram post, where he shared a photo of the two together, writing: “RIP James Gadson, we played together for over 50 years.
He changed the world.” Throughout his illustrious career, James collaborated with some of the biggest names in the music industry, including Bill Withers, Marvin Gaye, Quincy Jones, Rose Royce, Tavares, Herbie Hancock, and Diana Ross, as well as pop and rock acts such as Beck and Wilco.
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Among the iconic tracks he contributed to were Marvin Gaye’s I Want You and Diana Ross’s Love Hangover, both released in 1976. That same year, he also laid down the drum tracks on Thelma Houston’s landmark disco hit, Don’t Leave Me This Way, recorded at Motown’s West Hollywood studio complex.
Producer JJ Blair, celebrated for his collaborations with the likes of Johnny Cash, June Carter Cash, Rod Stewart and The Who, also paid an heartfelt tribute, reflecting on the profound influence Gadson had on both his life and his music, while revealing that the drumming legend had been battling illness for some time.
“I’m gutted right now. I just learned of James Gadson’s passing. We’d been friends for about 20 years. We were on a session together, I gave him a record I made, and he called me up, told me how much he loved the record, and then wound up playing my wedding,” he wrote on Instagram alongside a studio photograph of James.
“He’d been having some serious health problems this year, and we had to keep pushing back his coming in to talk about Marvin Gaye ‘I Want You,’ because he played the drums on that record.
“I just talked to him last week, when he called me to say that he wasn’t feeling well…He was the loveliest, kindest man. The greatest right hand to ever put a stick on a high hat.
“I just had one of the most amazing days of my life, and now I’m crying. I’m so grateful not only to have worked with and played with him, but also to have known him and called him a friend. Thank you for all your kindness and for showing us where the pocket is. Rest in power, James.”, reports the Express.
Fellow musician and singer/songwriter Nick Perri paid his respects, writing: “I just heard moments ago that the great James Gadson has left our dimension for the next adventure. James was one of my all-time favourite drummers, and his mark on music will forever reign. Truly, the best. Safe travels and thank you, James!”
Drummer and songwriter Jonathan “Sugarfoot” Moffett posted a heartfelt tribute alongside a reel featuring the star, fondly writing: “James Gadson wasn’t just a legend to me…he was family…a mentor…a real one….The kind of man who didn’t just play the groove…he was the groove….Every note he touched had soul, history, and truth…
“I learned so much just being around him…watching him…listening to him talk…he gave without holding back…always lifting people up, always pouring into the music and the people around him….” Singer and actor Dale Edward Chung paid his own heartfelt tribute, sharing a photo alongside James, with the caption: “I’m so sorry to hear of the passing of legendary drummer and vocalist, James Gadson. I’m so glad I was able to meet and hang out with him and hear him play live. He was such a beautiful human. Born June 17, 1939, he played on some of the most influential songs in music history. He was also the drummer for my dear friend, singer-songwriter, Amiena. Rest peacefully, James, and thank you for all the music that is the soundtrack of my life.”
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