Renowned jazz musician Chuck Mangione has passed away at the age of 84. The flugelhorn and trumpet virtuoso died peacefully from natural causes earlier this week at his home in Rochester, New York, according to his manager.
Mangione’s contributions to the world of music spanned more than five decades and left an indelible mark on jazz and pop culture. A two-time Grammy Award winner, he earned his first Grammy in 1977 for Best Instrumental Composition, followed by another in 1979 for Best Pop Instrumental Performance. His signature sound—a warm, melodic blend of jazz and pop—made his music instantly recognizable to audiences around the world.
Among Mangione’s many notable achievements, his composition “Chase The Clouds Away” was featured during the 1976 Summer Olympics in Montreal, and “Give It All You Got” became the theme for the 1980 Winter Olympics in Lake Placid. But it was his 1978 smash hit “Feels So Good” that catapulted him to mainstream fame. The title track and its parent album became some of the most commercially successful jazz recordings of all time.
Over his prolific career, Mangione released more than 30 albums, captivating audiences with his unique blend of smooth melodies and emotional expression. Beyond the concert stage and studio, he also made his presence known in pop culture, with a recurring animated role on “King of the Hill” and a guest appearance on “Magnum, P.I.”
Born and raised in Rochester, Chuck remained deeply connected to his hometown throughout his life. In 2012, he was honored with induction into the Rochester Music Hall of Fame, a testament to his enduring legacy and impact on the local and global music scenes.
Chuck Mangione’s unmistakable tone and heartfelt compositions helped define a generation of jazz. He leaves behind a legacy of joy, artistry, and a sound that truly made people “feel so good.”
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