James Gadson has passed away at the age of 86.
The legendary R&B drummer’s wife, Barbara, confirmed to Rolling Stone this week that he died on April 2 after battling several health challenges.
Barbara revealed he had recently undergone surgery and had also suffered a serious fall which left him with a back injury.
She told the publication: ‘He was a wonderful man. He was a great husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, and one hell of a drummer.’
Following news of his passing, tributes quickly flooded in from fans and famous friends.
Ghostbusters star Ray Parker Jr. took to Instagram to share a sweet selfie of himself and James as he paid tribute.
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James Gadson has passed away at the age of 86 (pictured 2018)
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The legendary R&B drummer’s wife, Barbara, confirmed to Rolling Stone this week that he died on April 2 after battling several health challenges (pictured 2017)
He penned: ‘RIP James Gadson š We played together over 50 years. He changed the world.’
Meanwhile, fellow musician Nick Perri also paid his respects, sharing a series of throwback snaps.
Paying tribute, he penned in the caption: ‘I just heard moments ago that the great James Gadson has left our dimension for the next adventure.
‘James was one of my all time favorite drummers and his mark on music will forever reign.
‘Truly, the best. Safe travels and thank you James! Iāve always loved this song by @doylebramhall and drum performance and maximum vibe by James Gadson!’
Fans also shared their condolences, with one writing: ‘R.I.P James Gadson’; ‘My condolences to you, James Gadson. You had a great career with popular music celebrities. RIP amen.’
‘James Gadson, rest in peace, love to your family, friends and fans!!!!!!!’
Throughout a career spanning more than five decades, James was one of the most versatile drummers in the industry, performing across genres including pop, rock, soul and funk.
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She told the publication: ‘He was a wonderful man. He was a great husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, and one hell of a drummer’
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View gallery
Following news of his passing, tributes quickly flooded in from fans and famous friends (pictured with Ray Parker Jr)
Ghostbusters star Ray Parker Jr. took to Instagram to share a sweet selfie of himself and James as he paid tribute
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View gallery
Meanwhile, fellow musician Nick Perri also paid his respects, sharing a series of throwback snaps
Fans also shared their condolences, with one writing: ‘R.I.P James Gadson’; ‘My condolences to you, James Gadson. You had a great career with popular music celebrities. RIP amen’
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View gallery
Throughout a career spanning more than five decades, James was one of the most versatile drummers in the industry, performing across genres including pop, rock, soul and funk
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View gallery
He worked with a host of music legends, including Paul McCartney, Diana Ross, Bill Withers, and Marvin Gaye (Paul McCartney pictured in March)
He worked with a host of music legends, including Paul McCartney, Diana Ross, Bill Withers, and Marvin Gaye.
James was also one of the most recorded drummers of all time, playing on thousands of tracks.
Some of his most iconic work includes Lean On Me and Use Me, as well as I Want You and Love Hangover.
He also helped define the disco sound of the 1970s, working on hits such as I Will Survive, Don’t Leave Me This Way, and Got To Be Real.
Later in his career, he collaborated with artists including Beck, Justin Timberlake, D’Angelo, and Harry Styles.
