Chuck Mangione, whose clear and melodic flugelhorn sound dominated the adult contemporary Billboard charts in the 1970s and 1980s, passed away on Tuesday at his Rochester, New York home. He was 84 years old.
His family confirmed his passing in a statement, although no cause of death was disclosed.
Mangione stood out as a pop icon with a distinctive silhouette instantly recognizable by his mustache, long hair, and trademark felt hat. Over his career, he earned 14 Grammy nominations and won twice: in 1976 for Best Instrumental Composition with "Bellavia," and in 1979 for Best Pop Instrumental Performance for the main theme of the film The Children of Sanchez.
His repertoire ranged from grandiose pieces like “Land of Make Believe” to funk-infused tracks such as his major hit “Feels So Good,” which reached the Top 10 in 1978. Always melodic, his smooth notes resonated deeply with listeners, uplifting their spirits.
Mangione’s smooth jazz style was heavily influenced by fusion—the integration of electronic instruments into mainstream jazz pioneered by Miles Davis in the late 1960s—blended with delicate flamenco guitar and a subtle disco beat. This combination created a commercially appealing pop-jazz hybrid centered around his lyrical flugelhorn.
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