Overview

• George 'Funky' Brown, the drummer and co-founder of Kool & The Gang, has died at the age of 74 after a battle with cancer.
• Brown was a key contributor to several of the band's biggest hits, including 'Ladies Night,' 'Jungle Boogie' and 'Celebration.'
• Brown's signature drumming has been heavily sampled by artists such as Beastie Boys, Jay-Z, Madonna, Janet Jackson, Cypress Hill and The Killers.
• Brown had been diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer and had retired earlier this year after nearly 60 years with the band.
• He is survived by his wife, Hanh Brown, and his five children.