Legendary drummer James Gadson dies at 86, report says

Legendary drummer James Gadson, known for backing artists like Diana Ross and Kelly Clarkson, died at the age of 86.

On Thursday, April 2, the renowned R&B and soul drummer’s wife, Barbara, confirmed his demise and told Rolling Stone that he had been going through health challenges recently. She told the outlet that he recently had surgery and hurt his back after a fall.

“He was a wonderful man,” she said. “He was a great husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, and one hell of a drummer.”

Born on June 17, 1939, in Kansas City, Missouri, James Gadson began his drumming career in the late 1960s, later establishing himself as one of the most recorded R&B drummers in music history.

He first gained recognition as part of Charles Wright & the Watts 103rd Street Rhythm Band, recording three studio albums with the group. His breakthrough came in 1972 with his work on Bill Withers’ Still Billwhich propelled him into high demand across the industry.

Gadson went on to contribute to major records, including 1990 by The Temptations, Larger Than Life by Freddie King, and Paul McCartney’s Chaos and Creation in the Backyard. His drumming also featured on iconic tracks such as I Will Survive, I Want You, Dancing Machine and Love Hangover.

In later years, he continued to collaborate with contemporary artists, including Justin Timberlake, Lana Del Rey, and Harry Styles. In 2014, he appeared on D’Angelo’s Black Messiah, playing on Sugah Daddy.

Beyond music, Gadson made a cameo appearance in Funny Peopleportraying a member of a jam band.