The one and only “Funky Drummer” has passed away…
Yesterday, February 18, Clyde Stubblefield, legendary drummer of James Brown has died. He was 73. He was mostly recognized for his fantastic work with the american legend of funk and soul- James Brown. Rolling Stone Magazine is reporting, that his death was caused by the kidney failure, wich was confirmed by Stubblefield’s wife.
He joined Brown’s band in 1965, shortly after another drummer, John “Jabo” Starks, signed on. Together, the two men laid down the backbeat for the birth of funk on classics like “Cold Sweat,” “I Got the Feelin’,” “Mother Popcorn,” “Say It Loud – I’m Black and I’m Proud.” But it was another song, 1970’s “Funky Drummer,” that would cement his legacy years later. Roughly halfway through the nine-minute jam, Brown announces that he wants to “give the drummer some of this funky soul we got,” meaning an opportunity to solo. The eight-bar break Stubblefield played would go on to be the most sampled piece of music in all of hip-hop. As of this writing, WhoSampled.com lists 1,364 songs that have used this pattern. “Funky Drummer” became Stubblefield’s nickname. Stubblefield left Brown’s employment within a year of recording “Funky Drummer,” settling down in Madison, Wisc., and playing locally with his own band. As his legend grew due to his influence on hip-hop, he made a few high-profile appearances, including reuniting with Starks, Collins and saxophonist Maceo Parker in the J.B.’s in 1999. Listen to “Funky Drummer” in the link below, and celebrate the life and art of mr. Stubblefield!
Source of information: http://ultimateclassicrock.com/
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