Chuck Mangione, the Grammy-winning jazz fusion bandleader and performer, who was a pioneer of new age music, died on August 8th at 84. He became famous around the world for his jazz-pop crossover genius. His best-known composition, the 1978 instrumental smash “Feels So Good,” beautifully captures his versatility. This new track was absolutely slappin’ — no, really — it quickly shot to No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart. It catapulted Mangione into the homes of millions, making him an overnight household name.
Born on November 29, 1940, in Rochester, New York, Mangione burst onto the music scene along with his brother, keyboardist Gaspare “Gap” Mangione. Collectively, they found success as the Mangione Brothers. For one, the pair established critical early momentum for Chuck’s eventual success. His 1977 instrumental album Feels So Good became a crossover hit, climbing all the way to No. 2 on the all-genre Billboard 200 albums chart. This huge success cemented his place as the biggest star in the jazz field.
Mangione’s subsequent work continued to demonstrate his great skill and range. In 1978, he produced the gold-selling soundtrack to the movie “Children of Sanchez,” directed by Anthony Quinn. Further to the title track of this album, he won his second Grammy Award of his long career. During his prolific career, Mangione penned and released nearly 30 albums. His most recent album, Everything for Love, was released over 20 years ago in 2000.
His impact on the world of music went far deeper than the sales of his albums and awards he received. The single “Give It All You Got,” released during the peak of his career, was used in ABC’s coverage of the 1980 Winter Olympics, showcasing his ability to connect with audiences on various platforms. For the entirety of his career, Mangione received 13 Grammy nominations, a feat that proved his massive influence in the music sphere.
In 2012, he was inducted into the Rochester Music Hall of Fame, an honor that recognized his influence on local and national music scenes. Additionally, he made a cultural mark by portraying an exaggerated version of himself in the animated TV comedy “King of the Hill,” further endearing him to fans beyond the jazz community.
Reflecting on his musical philosophy, Mangione once said,
“If you’re honest and play with love, people will sit down and listen … my music is the sum of all I have experienced.” – Chuck Mangione
