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Chuck Mangione, a two-time Grammy Award-winning musician, passed away at the age of 84. He rose to international fame in 1977 with his jazz-infused hit single “Feels So Good” and later lent his voice to the animated TV show “King of the Hill.”
Mangione peacefully passed away in his sleep at his residence in Rochester, New York, on Tuesday, as confirmed by his attorney, Peter S. Matorin of Beldock Levine & Hoffman LLP. He had been retired since 2015.
One of his most popular songs, “Feels So Good,” remains a favorite on smooth-jazz radio stations and is considered one of the most recognizable tunes since “Michelle” by the Beatles. The song reached No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and topped the Billboard adult contemporary chart.
Following the success of “Feels So Good,” Mangione composed “Give It All You Got,” which was commissioned for the 1980 Winter Olympics in Lake Placid and performed at the closing ceremony.
A flügelhorn and trumpet player, as well as a jazz composer, Mangione released over 30 albums throughout his career, building a dedicated following through his own compositions.
He received his first Grammy Award in 1977 for his album “Bellavia,” named after his mother. Additionally, his album “Friends and Love” was Grammy-nominated, and he earned a second Grammy for his work on the movie “The Children of Sanchez.”
Aside from his musical achievements, Mangione also reached a new audience with his appearances on the early seasons of “King of the Hill,” portraying a commercial spokesperson for Mega Lo Mart.
Beginning his career as a bebop jazz musician heavily influenced by Dizzy Gillespie, Mangione collaborated with his brother, jazz pianist Gap Mangione, in The Jazz Brothers.
He was known for his engaging rapport with audiences, often introducing his songs and band members before performances.
After earning a Bachelor’s degree from the Eastman School of Music, Mangione later served as the director of the school’s jazz ensemble. He began his professional journey by playing with Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers.
In 2009, Mangione generously donated his signature brown felt hat, the score of his Grammy-winning hit “Feels So Good,” along with albums, songbooks, and other memorabilia from his illustrious career to the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History.
