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R&B Drumming Legend James Gadson Dies at 86
4 Apr
Summary
- Legendary R&B drummer James Gadson passed away on April 2.
- He battled several health challenges, including surgery and a fall.
- Gadson was a highly recorded drummer, playing on thousands of tracks.

Legendary R&B drummer James Gadson died on April 2 at the age of 86. His wife, Barbara, shared that he had been experiencing several health challenges, including recent surgery and a serious fall that caused a back injury. Gadson was celebrated for his versatile drumming style, which left an indelible mark on pop, rock, soul, and funk music over a career exceeding fifty years.
Throughout his extensive career, Gadson became one of the most recorded drummers in the music industry, contributing to thousands of songs. His influential work can be heard on iconic tracks such as 'Lean On Me' and 'Use Me.' He also played a crucial role in defining the disco sound of the 1970s, performing on numerous hits.
Gadson collaborated with a vast array of music icons throughout his career. His extensive discography includes work with artists like Paul McCartney, Diana Ross, Bill Withers, and Marvin Gaye. In later years, he continued to lend his talents to contemporary artists including Beck, Justin Timberlake, D'Angelo, and Harry Styles, further cementing his legacy.