Photo Credit: Getty Images
Chuck Mangione best known for his 1978 instrumental hit "Feels So Good," has died at the age of 84. According to multiple sources, including a press release from the Bartolomeo & Perreto Funeral Home and confirmation from his spokesperson, Mangione died peacefully in his sleep at his home in Rochester, New York, on Tuesday, July 22.
Born and raised in Rochester, Mangione started his musical journey at the age of eight. He later earned his degree from the Eastman School of Music in 1963 and eventually returned to the institution to contribute to the development of its jazz program as a faculty member. As Bob Sneider, an Eastman faculty member, noted, "Chuck Mangione was a larger-than-life composer, trumpet and flugelhorn player, bandleader, recording artist and mentor. He inspired generations of kids to play instruments in a variety of musical styles."
Mangione's early musical life was shaped by his family's deep love for jazz. "Their father would invite these amazing artists to come home with them for a good home-cooked Italian meal," reads his website biography. He and his brother Gap formed The Jazz Brothers and released three albums while Mangione was still a student.
He went on to perform with Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers, a pivotal moment in his career. Throughout his extensive career, Mangione recorded over 30 albums and earned 14 Grammy nominations. His first Grammy came in 1977 for Best Instrumental Composition with "Bellavia," followed by a second in 1979 for Best Pop Instrumental Performance for the "Children of Sanchez" soundtrack.
"Feels So Good" stands out as Mangione's most recognizable piece, gaining widespread popularity as a successful blend of pop and jazz. Originally nearly ten minutes long, the track was edited for radio play and reached No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1978. Despite its popularity, the piece posed performance challenges due to its demanding musical arrangement.
He was also known for his whimsical portrayal of himself in the animated sitcom King of the Hill, appearing as a spokesman for Mega Lo Mart. "Many people watch that show, so it is great exposure," he said.
Mangione's hometown mourned his passing. "Chuck was more than a global icon. He was one of our own," said Rochester Jazz Festival producers Marc Iacona and John Nugent. "His legacy will forever be a part of the spirit of Rochester and the soul of jazz."
