drummer

Usher Breaks Down While Speaking At His Drummer’s Funeral

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Usher broke down into tears while attending the funeral for his late drummer, Aaron Spears, at the First Baptist Church of Glenarden Worship Center in Maryland, last week. According to TMZ, the singer spoke at the ceremony and praised Spears as an “amazing force.” 

During his speech, he thanked his Musical Director Valdez Brantley for introducing the two. After remarking that Aaron would follow him everywhere he went, he concluded: “He would say man you gonna be alright … he would say tonight is going to be the most incredible night ever!”

Read More: Usher Tantalizes Fans With Possible Guest Appearances For Super Bowl Halftime Show, Says He Has Been Prepping For “30 Years”

Usher Performs In Las Vegas

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – JULY 15: Usher Performs at the grand opening of Usher: My Way – The Vegas Residency at Dolby Live at Park MGM on July 15, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Denise Truscello/Getty Images for Dolby Live at Park MGM)

Usher previously reflected on the passing of Spears during a lengthy statement on Instagram. While sharing pictures of the two of them, he wrote: “I cry, tears of joy, looking back at all of the memories we had together, I realize that you were the joy in every room you were in. We should not take life for granted or the people we love most as though they’re gonna be there forever. There are good people and then there are great people. Aaron Spears was great!! As a father, a son and in spirit… Aaron was one of my heros. He motivated me to do more, musically. Them drum rolls and that pocket was like none other. He had a heart that was pure… he wished people well and supported others, he was happy for others. He wanted greatness for people, he loved his family, he loved his friends.”

Usher Mourns Aaron Spears

 
 
 
 
 
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A post shared by Usher (@usher)

Check out Usher’s full post for Aaron Spears above. In other Usher news, be on the lookout for his performance at Super Bowl LVIII in February, and stay posted to HotNewHipHop for further updates on the singer.

Read More: Usher Shares His Excitement For Super Bowl Halftime Performance

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Kool & The Gang Drummer, George Brown, Passed Away At Age 74

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George Brown, the legendary drummer and co-founder of Kool & the Gang, has passed away at 74 on Thursday (November 17). Said news came from a Universal Music Enterprises spokesperson, and follows a cancer battle that he ultimately succumbed to. However, the musician’s indelible impact in the genres of funk, soul, and so much more will never vanish, much like that of his bandmate Ronald Bell, who passed away in September 2020. Brown’s passing comes almost exactly sixty years after he and six other friends in Jersey City, New Jersey formed an instrumental soul and jazz group in 1964.

Through various iterations, shifts, and evolutions- which involved name changes, genre switches, incorporating vocals, and more- Kool & the Gang eventually became the legends we celebrate today in 1969. Five years later, George Brown and his companions had fused together their inspirations and references with the new wave of disco through chart-toppers like “Jungle Boogie.” In fact, songs like 1974’s “Hollywood Swinging” continue to be covered and revered today by many artists, most recently BROCKHAMPTON. Even though the following years wouldn’t yield immediate success, it wouldn’t be long until they continued their hit parade.

Read More: Rudolph Isley Of The Isley Brothers Passes Away At 84

Kool & The Gang Members Attend Hollywood Walk Of Fame Ceremony In 2015

George Brown Dead Kool Gang Drummer
HOLLYWOOD, CA – OCTOBER 08: Robert ‘Kool’ Bell, Ronald Khalis Bell, Dennis ‘DT’ Thomas and George Brown of Kool & the Gang attend the ceremony honoring Kool & The Gang with a Star on The Hollywood Walk of Fame held on October 8, 2015 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Albert L. Ortega/Getty Images)

For example, there’s the iconic “Celebration,” the band’s only Billboard chart-topper, plus “Get Down On It,” “Joanna,” and many other classics. Through their catalog, Kool & the Gang’s members not only the genres they played in, but the genres that these styles birthed. Hip-hop- and, frankly, popular music at large- samples them everywhere, whether it’s early icons like The Beastie Boys, GOAT contenders like Jay-Z, or gargantuan superstars like Madonna. Thanks to the work of George Brown, saxophonist Dennis Thomas, and every other member, we have songs that are timeless today.

This year, Brown released a memoir titled Too Hot: Kool & the Gang and Me, which goes over his personal story and that of his musical journey with his friends. He always described his music as “the sound of happiness.” The percussion expert is survived by his wife Hanh and his six children: Dorian, Jorge, Gregory, Jordan, Clarence, and Aaron. The Lung Cancer Foundation of America is accepting donations in his honor. For more news and the latest updates on more musical juggernauts, whether young or old, stick around on HNHH.
Rest In Peace George Brown.

Read More: 21 S*vage, Usher, Kool & The Gang & More Lead 2023 Soul Train Awards Nominations

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Earth, Wind & Fire Drummer Fred White Dead At 67

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Fred White, the drummer for the legendary band Earth, Wind, & Fire, has passed away at the age of 67. The band confirmed the news on Sunday.

White’s brother and bandmate, Verdine, shared a post for Fred on Instagram.

“Our family is saddened today with the loss of an amazing and talented family member. Our beloved brother Frederick Eugene ‘Freddie’ White,” Verdine wrote to his fans.

NETHERLANDS – MARCH 14: AHOY Photo of EARTH WIND & FIRE and Fred WHITE, Drummer Fred White performing on stage (Photo by Rob Verhorst/Redferns)

He further continued: “He joins our brothers Maurice, Monte, and Ronald in heaven and is now drumming with the angels! Child protégé, member of the EWF ORIGINAL 9, with gold records at the young age of 16 years old! He was brother number 4 in the family lineup. But more than that at home and beyond he was the wonderful bro that was always entertaining and delightfully mischievous!”

Lenny Kravitz also shared his condolences in the comments section of the post.

“Sending my love and deepest condolences to you and the family,” Kravitz wrote. “I was blessed to have been in his presence and blessed to have been influenced by him. A true king. Rest in power.”

Fred got his start in music when he was 14 years old. He first played with the band the Salty Peppers before joining Earth, Wind & Fire in 1974. The iconic band is best known for their hits “September,” “Shining Star” and “Let’s Groove.” They were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame back in 2000.

Outside of his work with Earth, Wind, & Fire, Fred played drums on songs for Bonnie Raitt, Donny Hathaway, Deniece Williams, as well as Diana Ross.

Check out Earth, Wind, & Fire’s posts for the late Fred White below.

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