Drummer Clyde Stubblefield 1943 – 2017

Legendary drummer Clyde Stubblefield has died at the age of 73. Stubblefield’s death due to kidney failure was confirmed by his wife Jody Hannon who spoke to Rolling Stone magazine.

Known for his association with James Brown, Stubblefield was behind the kit on the infamous “Funky Drummer” song Brown released in 1970. The acclaimed drummer born in Chattanooga, Tennessee in 1943 can also be heard on such standout tracks as “Ain’t It Funky Now,” “Cold Sweat,” “Get Up I Feel Like Being a Sex Machine,” “Mother Popcorn” and many others.

Stubblefield also contributed to projects by fellow members of Brown’s band The J.B.’s such as saxophonist Maceo Parker and bassist Bootsy Collins. A longtime resident of Madison, Wisconsin, Stubblefield’s signature drum tracks have been sampled countless times, laying a foundation for many of the most well-known hip-hop and pop songs of the last 35 years.