Drummer and co-founder of Kool & the Gang George Brown passed away at the age of 74.

George Brown, a founding member and the drummer of the legendary band Kool & the Gang, passed away on Thursday at the age of 74. The band’s publicist, Jerry Digney, confirmed Brown’s death in Los Angeles following his battle with cancer.

Initially formed in 1964 as the Jazziacs, Brown, alongside Ricky Westfield, Ronald and Robert “Kool” Bell, Spike Mickens, Dennis Thomas, and Charles Smith, fused jazz, soul, and funk to create their unique sound. The group underwent several name changes, including The New Dimensions, The Soul Town Band, and Kool & the Flames, before settling on Kool & The Gang in 1969.

Brown was instrumental in co-writing many of the band’s hit songs such as “Ladies Night,” “Too Hot,” “Jungle Boogie,” “Summer Madness,” “Open Sesame,” “Celebration,” and “Cherish.” The band achieved significant acclaim, receiving three Grammy nominations and winning one in 1979 for their work on the “Saturday Night Fever” soundtrack. Their accolades also included seven American Music Awards, a BET Soul Train Lifetime Achievement Award, and inductions into the New Jersey Hall of Fame and the Songwriters Hall of Fame.

Brown’s distinctive drumming style on Kool & The Gang’s early records has been extensively sampled by various artists, including the Beastie Boys, Jay-Z, Madonna, Janet Jackson, Cypress Hill, and The Killers. He continued to tour with the band until his retirement in August of this year, marking their status as one of the longest-standing R&B groups in history.

In addition to his musical career, Brown also authored a memoir titled “Too Hot: Kool & The Gang And Me,” released this year. He was known for describing his music as “the sound of happiness.” Brown leaves behind his wife, Hanh Brown, and five sons.