LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: George Brown has died while battling lung cancer. The iconic 'Kool & The Gang' drummer died on Thursday night, November 16, in Los Angeles, reports TMZ.
Brown was suffering from stage four cancer and was briefly in remission before the deadly disease resurfaced.
“George Brown died November 16, 2023, in Los Angeles, after a battle with cancer,” his representative told the outlet.
'Kool & The Gang' famous hits number
The 74-year-old was not just a drummer but also used to write songs for his popular band. It was popular for its classic disco tunes with some of the most popular songs ‘Ladies Night,’ ‘Too Hot,’ ‘Jungle Boogie,’ ‘Celebration,’ and ‘Cherish.’
“George was diagnosed in September of 2021 with a very rare form of non-small cell lung cancer, with an EGFR exon 20 insertion mutation,' said Dr Robert A Nagourney, MD who had met Brown when he was ill.
The artist was receiving treatment at Nagourney Cancer Institute. “Although he responded to initial therapy, within the year the tumor came roaring back with metastasis to lymph nodes, lung, pleura, and liver,” he wrote.
“His physicians in Los Angeles treated him with every drug they could imagine, from the newest classes of targeted drugs to conventional chemotherapies to immune and anti-vascular therapies all to no avail. George was in trouble," he added.
The doctor further said, "With ultrasound assistance, a small amount of fluid was removed from his right chest. With only 57 mL to work with, there were just enough cells to test 4 drugs. Two looked active."
Who were the founding members of the band?
The other band members who came up with the band idea were Robert Bell (bass) and Ronald Bell (keyboards), Dennis Thomas (saxophone), Robert Mickens (Trumpet), Ricky West (keyboards), and Charles Smith (guitarist).
Brown has bagged prestigious awards, including two Grammy Awards, and seven American Music Awards. This also comprises of 2006, a Music Business Association Chairman's Award for artistic achievement.
They released their 24th studio album Christmas album 'Kool for the Holidays' in 2013, reports Daily Mail.
Two years later in 2015, the group was given a well-deserved star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Brown is survived by his wife Hanh Brown and his five children.
His spokesperson urged fans to donate to the Lung Cancer Society of America in the legend's honor.
