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Drummer James Gadson, Who Played with Bill Withers and Marvin Gaye, Dies at 86
The drummer’s work powered hits by Bill Withers, Marvin Gaye and Diana Ross, while musicians praised his laid-back style and influence.
- Session drummer James Gadson, known for recording soul, funk, and disco classics with Bill Withers and Diana Ross, died on Thursday at age 86. His wife Barbara confirmed the passing following recent surgery and a fall.
- Born in Kansas City, Missouri, in 1939, Gadson first established his reputation as drummer for Charles Wright & The Watts 103rd Street Rhythm Band before relocating to Los Angeles to pursue session work in the early 1970s.
- Questlove described Gadson as "breakbeats defined," highlighting his funky style on Diana Ross' "Love Hangover" and Thelma Houston's "Don't Leave Me This Way." He also backed Marvin Gaye on "I Want You," becoming highly sought-after.
- Over the following decades, Gadson's versatility led him to collaborate with Paul McCartney, Leonard Cohen, Beck, and Harry Styles, with later credits spanning Justin Timberlake's FutureSex/LoveSounds and Sturgill Simpson's work.
- Flea remembered Gadson, stating "his legacy will live on through a zillion joyful dances humans will do to his beats." Barbara called him "one hell of a drummer" and a devoted family man.
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Legendary Drummer James Gadson, Who Backed Diana Ross, Bill Withers & Marvin Gaye, Dies at 86
Legendary drummer James Gadson, who backed iconic artists including Diana Ross, Bill Withers and Marvin Gaye, has died. He was 86. Gadson’s wife, Barbara, confirmed his passing to Rolling Stone on Thursday (April 2), noting that he had recently faced health challenges, including a surgery and a fall that injured his back. Related Gone But No…
·United States
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Hastings Tribune+2 Reposted by 2 other sources
Drummer James Gadson, who played with Bill Withers and Marvin Gaye, dies at 86
LOS ANGELES — James Gadson, a prolific drummer who worked closely with Bill Withers and as a member of the widely sampled Watts 103rd Street Rhythm Band — and whose playing motored hits like Diana Ross' "Love Hangover," Marvin Gaye's…
·Nebraska, United States
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Total News Sources18
Leaning Left5Leaning Right1Center4Last UpdatedBias Distribution50% Left
Bias Distribution
- 50% of the sources lean Left
50% Left
L 50%
C 40%
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