James Gadson, the influential funk and soul drummer known for his work with Bill Withers, Diana Ross and Marvin Gaye, has died at the age of 86. His wife, Barbara Gadson, confirmed his passing to Rolling Stone, citing recent health challenges including surgery and a fall that injured his back. Tributes have poured in from musicians like Beck and Questlove.
James Gadson died this week following health issues, his wife Barbara told Rolling Stone. “He was a wonderful man,” she said. “He was a great husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, and one hell of a drummer.” Born on June 17, 1939, in Kansas City, Missouri, Gadson grew up in a musical family and developed his skills through school bands, doo-wop groups and military service before joining Charles Wright & the Watts 103rd Street Rhythm Band, where he played on their 1970 hit “Express Yourself.” He rose to prominence in the 1970s as a session drummer on classics including Bill Withers’ “Lean on Me” and “Use Me,” The Jackson 5’s “Dancing Machine,” Diana Ross’ “Love Hangover,” Marvin Gaye’s “I Want You” and Thelma Houston’s “Don’t Leave Me This Way.” Gadson worked with a vast array of artists over decades, from The Temptations, Leonard Cohen and B.B. King to Paul McCartney, Beck, Justin Timberlake and Harry Styles. Beck, a longtime collaborator on albums like Sea Change and Morning Phase, paid tribute on Instagram. “I feel fortunate to have known this gentle giant of a man who was such a musical force and left his mark on so much classic music, from Bill Withers to I Will Survive,” he wrote. Questlove hailed him as unmatched in breakbeat drumming, while Ray Parker Jr. noted, “We played together over 50 years. He changed the world.” Joey Waronker called Gadson a mentor whose kindness inspired many.
