Brutal Disease Leads to Drummer George Brown’s Death at 74

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Although George Brown’s cause of death was not disclosed at this time, KCAL reported in October that the Drummer had stage 4 lung cancer.

A rep for the band confirmed the sad news on Friday that he died peacefully in Long Beach, California surrounded by loved ones.

His family shared a statement on George’s death. “We lost our beloved husband and father, Kool & The Gang founding member George Brown last night,” the statement read.

Brutal Disease Leads to George Brown's Cause of Death at 74

The statement concluded: “He passed away peacefully at Long Beach Memorial Hospital surrounded by family. His incredible talent and presence will be greatly missed and never forgotten.”

George Brown was among the founding members of the funk group Kool & the Gang. While still in their teens, George joined brothers Robert “Kool” Bell and Ronald “Khalis” Bell as they set out to form a group in Jersey City, New Jersey in 1964, along with friends Dennis “D.T.” Thomas, Ricky West, Charles Smith, and Robert “Spike” Mickens.

After they called themselves the Jazziacs and changed their moniker several times, the band blending jazz, funk, rock, soul, and pop officially debuted as Kool & the Gang with their self-titled debut in 1969.

The band went on to help define the soulful sound of the ’70s and then become one of the most iconic funk bands of all time.

George was one of the primary songwriters behind the group — helping to pen hits such as “Cherish,” “Celebration,” “Jungle Boogie,” “Get Down On It,” and “Ladies Night,” among many others.

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Is Cancer George Brown’s Cause of Death?

George Brown’s cause of death is probably cancer because in 2023 he announced he was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer. He died on Thursday, November 16, 2023.

The Grammy-winning hitmakers received many accolades throughout their professional career, including an induction into the New Jersey Hall of Fame, a Soul Train Legend Award, and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Their classic 1980 song “Celebration” was inducted into the Library of Congress National Recording Registry in 2020.

Although George Brown's cause of death was not disclosed at this time, KCAL reported in October that the Drummer had stage 4 lung cancer.

Brown opened up about living with stage 4 lung cancer in an October interview with KCAL. The outlet reported that the musician stopped touring due to illness three years ago, and went back out on the road in 2022 after he recovered.

The cancer relapsed and he continued receiving treatment in 2023. After the sad news was revealed, Brown’s fans and friends paid tributes to the late artist.

Eric Alper wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter: “Sad to hear about the passing of George Brown, the legendary drummer and co-founder of Kool & the Gang. His infectious beats fueled timeless classics like “Celebration,” “Ladies Night,” and “Jungle Boogie,” and leaves behind a legacy that will forever groove in our hearts.”

Hayley Palmer tweeted: “Ahh i’m sad to hear the news about George Brown from Kool and the Gang passing away. George came on my Show when i first started out, and was so incredibly lovely to interview.”

George is survived by his wife, Hanh Brown, and their five children.

We are heartbroken to share another sad story with you. Cancer was reported as Louise Gluck’s cause of death by Jonathan Galassi, her longtime editor at Farrar, Straus & Giroux on October 13, 2023.

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