The world of jazz has been hit with a painful loss as legendary musician Chuck Mangione has passed away at the age of 84.
According to a statement from his family, the Grammy-winning artist died peacefully in his sleep on Tuesday, July 24, 2025, at his home in Rochester, New York. The cause of death was not disclosed.
Chuck Mangione, known for his hit single “Feels So Good,” was a well-respected figure in the jazz scene.
His soft, melodic horn and unique sound played a huge role in shaping the smooth jazz genre that became popular during the 1970s and 1980s.
His music brought a soothing touch to jazz, mixing mellow tones with light funk and soft disco rhythms.
Mangione’s rise to fame came in 1978 when “Feels So Good” hit the Top 10 on Billboard’s charts.
It also made him a household name and one of the most recognized jazz musicians of his time.
He was nominated for 14 Grammy Awards and took home two.
One was for “Bellavia” in 1976 and another in 1979 for “The Children of Sanchez.” Despite his fame, Mangione remained humble about his music.
“I would get a lot of calls from different companies,” he once said.
“‘Oh, yeah, Chuck, you started that ‘smooth jazz’ sound and we’d love to have you. Here’s what we’d like to do: We’d like the tempo to be like this and it’s got to have this sound, and a juggler and three elephants, and …’ I was not excited about that.”
He was never one to chase trends just for fame. Instead, he followed his heart and stayed true to his musical roots.
Before becoming a solo star, Mangione played in big bands with legends like Woody Herman and Art Blakey.
His talent on the flugelhorn gave him an edge and helped him stand out early in his career.
In addition to studio records, he also composed music for major events.
His track “Chase the Clouds Away” was used at the 1976 Olympics, while “Give It All You Got” was performed at the 1980 Winter Games.
Meanwhile, fans and fellow artists have taken to social media to express their sorrow and honor his legacy.
The smooth jazz community, in particular, is mourning the man who helped bring their genre into the spotlight.
He is survived by his loved ones, including two children, who now carry on his memory.
Furthermore, Mangione’s name even found its way into pop culture.
He appeared as a cartoon version of himself on the animated series King of the Hill, where the recurring joke was that every tune he played turned into “Feels So Good.”
May his soul rest in peace.
