A picture of the jazz icon, Chuck Mangione, in 1977. Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images.
Los Angeles, California (July 24, 2025)- Chuck Mangione, the acclaimed flugelhorn player and composer whose smooth jazz sounds captivated millions and launched the crossover instrumental hit “Feels So Good,” has passed away at the age of 84. News of his death was reported Thursday, July 24, by Rochester First, a local newspaper in his hometown of Rochester, N.Y. The report, confirmed by Bartolomeo & Perreto Funeral Home, stated that Mangione died peacefully in his sleep on Tuesday, July 22.
Born on November 29, 1940, Charles Frank Mangione cultivated his deep appreciation for jazz from an early age, growing up immersed in its rich traditions. His musical journey began under the informal mentorship of jazz luminaries like Dizzy Gillespie, a close family friend who frequented the Mangione household. An alumnus of the prestigious Eastman School of Music, where he would later contribute as faculty director of the Eastman Jazz Orchestra, Mangione cut his teeth performing with his brother, keyboardist Gap, in their quintet, the Jazz Brothers. He further honed his craft by playing in the celebrated big bands of Woody Herman and Maynard Ferguson.
As a solo artist, Mangione displayed a remarkable ability to blend his profound jazz roots with lighter, pop-infused melodies. This unique fusion allowed him to transcend the often-niche jazz scene and achieve widespread mainstream success. His distinctive approach yielded five entries on the Billboard Hot 100 throughout his career, including “Hill Where the Lord Hides,” “Chase the Clouds Away,” “Land of Make Believe,” and “Give It All You Got.” It was, however, the infectious “Feels So Good” that became his signature tune, soaring to No. 4 on the chart in 1978 – a rare and remarkable achievement for an instrumental pop-jazz recording. His album of the same name, Feels So Good, reached an impressive No. 2 on the Billboard 200, marking his highest career peak on the chart. In total, Mangione charted 17 albums on the Billboard 200.
Mangione’s illustrious career was also recognized with significant industry accolades. Of his 14 GRAMMY nominations, he took home two coveted awards. In 1977, he earned a GRAMMY for Best Instrumental Composition for “Bellavia.” Two years later, he received the award for Best Pop Instrumental Performance for his work on “Children Of Sanchez,” further cementing his status as a musical innovator.
Beyond his groundbreaking music, Mangione became instantly recognizable for his distinctive personal style: a signature hat and flowing long hairstyle. This iconic image was immortalized through his recurring self-portrayal on the animated series King of the Hill, where he voiced himself, further endearing him to a broader audience.
His music also found its way into significant cultural moments, including his memorable association with the Olympic Games. His evocative track “Chase the Clouds Away” was prominently featured in the 1976 Montreal Olympics. Two years later, he delivered a memorable performance of “Give It All You Got” at the closing ceremony of the 1980 Winter Games in Lake Placid, N.Y., leaving an indelible mark on both sports and music history.
Chuck Mangione leaves behind a legacy as a trailblazing artist who successfully bridged the gap between jazz and popular music, creating timeless melodies that felt good to millions. His contributions to contemporary jazz, his numerous hits, and his enduring cultural presence will continue to resonate for generations to come.
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