Jazz legend Chuck Mangione, best known for his iconic 1977 hit “Feels So Good,” has passed away at the age of 84.
A Life of Music Remembered
Chuck Mangione, a two-time Grammy Award-winning musician, died peacefully in his sleep on Tuesday at his home in Rochester, New York. His attorney, Peter S. Matorin, confirmed the news of his passing. Mangione had been retired from his active music career since 2015.
The Song That “Felt So Good”
Mangione’s signature piece, “Feels So Good,” launched him to international stardom in 1977. This smooth jazz-infused single quickly climbed the charts, hitting No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 and topping the Billboard adult contemporary chart.
The melody is instantly recognizable and remains a staple on smooth-jazz radio stations worldwide. Mangione himself acknowledged its profound impact, telling the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette in 2008 that the song “took it to a whole other level,” expanding his audience significantly.
Beyond the Smash Hit
While “Feels So Good” defined an era, Mangione’s musical contributions were extensive. He composed “Give It All You Got,” which was commissioned for the 1980 Winter Olympics at Lake Placid, where he also performed it at the closing ceremony.
Throughout his career, the flugelhorn and trumpet player released over 30 albums, often handling all the writing himself. He earned his first Grammy Award in 1977 for his album “Bellavia,” a tribute to his mother. He also received a Golden Globe nomination and another Grammy for his work on the movie “The Children of Sanchez.”
A Voice for New Generations
In an unexpected turn, Mangione endeared himself to a new generation of fans through the popular animated TV comedy “King of the Hill.” He appeared as a humorous commercial spokesman for the fictional store Mega Lo Mart, famously delivering the tagline, “shopping feels so good.”
Early Life and Influences
Born into a musical family, Chuck Mangione began his career playing alongside his brother, jazz pianist Gap Mangione, in “The Jazz Brothers.” He was deeply influenced by bebop pioneer Dizzy Gillespie, admiring Gillespie’s ability to connect directly with his audience.
Mangione earned his bachelor’s degree from the prestigious Eastman School of Music, later returning to direct the school’s jazz ensemble. His early professional journey also included a stint playing with the renowned Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers.
A Lasting Legacy
Mangione’s significant contributions to music are preserved for future generations. In 2009, he donated his iconic brown felt hat, the original score of “Feels So Good,” and various other albums and songbooks to the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History.
His prolific career as a composer and performer leaves an indelible mark on the world of jazz and contemporary music.
- Chuck Mangione died at 84, known for his hit “Feels So Good.”
- He was a two-time Grammy Award winner.
- “Feels So Good” was a major international hit in 1977, reaching No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100.
- He also had a memorable voice acting role in “King of the Hill.”
- His musical memorabilia is preserved at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History.
Chuck Mangione’s distinctive sound and memorable melodies will continue to resonate with fans, ensuring his unique legacy lives on.
