James Mtume, a percussionist who performed in Miles Davis’ seminal fusion band from 1971 to 1975 and later had hits with is own eponymous group, has died at the age 76.
Daughter of Mtume’s late creative partner Reggie Lucas, Lisa Lucas, took to Twitter this morning to confirm the passing of the musician.
“So much loss. So much grief. Rest in power to Uncle Mtume. My late fathers partner in crime, the co-creator of the songs of my life (and about my birth!). He was essential part of the life of the man who made me, therefore me too. Gone now. He will be dearly, eternally missed,”Lucas wrote.
At the time of reporting, there is no cause for death.
Mtume was featured on 80 albums along with a variety of musicians including Dizzy Gillespie and Roberta Flack.
Mtume, his name-group, had several No. The Billboard charts had several No. 1 hits, including the highly-sampled “Juicy Fruit.”
During his time with his own group, Mtume also wrote songs for an assortment of artists, including Stephanie Mills’ hit single “Never Knew Love Like This Before” for which he both received a Grammy for Best R&B Song Writing Producing the Roberta Flack/Donny Hathaway singles “The Closer I get To You” and “Back Together Aga and the Roberta Flack/Donny Hathawayhit singles “The Closer I Get to You” and “Back Together Again.”
Following Mtume’s disbandment, James Mtume resumed his already prolific production and songwriting career, which has included writing “Freak Tonight“[7]byR. Kellyfrom theThe Thin Line Between Hate and LoveSoundtrack, and co-producingMary J. Blige‘s album,Share My World.[6]He also producedRoy AyersThe, andBar-KaysAndComposedthe music andtheme tunefor the 1990s televisionPolicingDramaNew York Undercover.