Jazz Legend Chuck Mangione Passes Away at 84
Hey everyone, some bittersweet news from the world of music—Chuck Mangione, the Grammy-winning jazz musician and bandleader best known for the smooth and soaring instrumental hit "Feels So Good," has passed away at the age of 84. His family confirmed that he died peacefully in his sleep at his home in Rochester, New York, on July 22, 2025.
For those who may not recognize the name off the bat, you've probably heard "Feels So Good" —that mellow flugelhorn melody that became a huge radio hit in the late ‘70s. It actually climbed all the way to No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1978, which is pretty remarkable for a jazz instrumental. The album of the same name went double platinum and became one of the most successful jazz records ever released.
Chuck was born in Rochester in 1940, and music was part of his life from a very young age. He and his brother Gap, a talented pianist, were raised in a jazz-loving household. Their father used to take them to jazz matinees and even invited legends like Carmen McRae and Art Blakey over for home-cooked meals. Imagine growing up thinking that kind of thing was normal!
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He studied at the prestigious Eastman School of Music, and after graduating, he played with Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers—a huge deal in the jazz world. Eventually, Chuck began his solo journey and went on to release more than 30 albums over his career. He was known not only for his flugelhorn and trumpet playing but also for composing music that connected deeply with audiences, blending jazz with pop in a way that was incredibly accessible.
Aside from "Feels So Good," he also scored the soundtrack for The Children of Sanchez , which earned him his second Grammy. His song "Give It All You Got" was even featured during the 1980 Winter Olympics. And while his mainstream popularity faded over time, he stayed in the public eye, even appearing as a cartoon version of himself in the animated series King of the Hill .
Chuck was also remembered for his warmth and dedication to fans. After concerts, he’d often sit at the edge of the stage signing autographs until the very last person had been seen. In 2012, he was inducted into the Rochester Music Hall of Fame, a fitting tribute to a man who gave so much to music.
So, here’s to Chuck Mangione—whose music truly felt so good, and whose legacy will live on through every soaring note.
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