Renowned jazz musician and two-time Grammy Award recipient, Chuck Mangione, passed away peacefully at his residence on Tuesday, July 22, at the age of 84. Known for his exceptional talent with the flugelhorn and trumpet, Mangione released over 30 albums and garnered 14 Grammy nominations throughout his career.
Born in Rochester, New York, Mangione embarked on his jazz journey by immersing himself in his father’s jazz record collection alongside his brother, Gap. Weekends were often spent attending performances of the jazz icons of the time, such as Miles Davis and Sarah Vaughn. Mangione fondly recounted how his father would invite these musicians to their home for meals, a special experience for touring artists. He often remarked on growing up believing that having the likes of Carmen McRae and Art Blakey over for dinner was a common occurrence.
The legendary flugelhorn artist behind the track “Feels So Good,” Chuck Mangione, has left us at 84. His music brought joy to jazz, uplifted spirits, and even added a cool vibe to King of the Hill. Rest peacefully, Chuck — your timeless tunes will keep resonating. pic.twitter.com/wttT6FVEwG
— Eric Alper 🎧 (@ThatEricAlper) July 24, 2025
Early on, Mangione, along with Gap, formed their own group, The Jazz Brothers. He developed his own style, being influenced by the man he would call his “musical father,” fellow jazz great Dizzy Gillespie. After attending the Eastman School of Music, he put out his first solo album. He would go on to join Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers.Â
He returned to Eastman as director of the school’s jazz ensemble. But it was a concert with the Rochester Philharmonic that would lead to his first recording contract with a major label, Mercury Records, and a Grammy nomination. Two of Mangione’s biggest successes came in 1976. After signing with A&M Records, his song “Chase the Clouds Away” was used for background music for the 1976 Olympic Games. He also released “Bellavia” (Beautiful Way) in honor of his mother, a song which earned him a Grammy nomination.
The great Chuck Mangione has passed away at age 84…
He came to prominence as a member of Art Blakey’s band in the 1960s, and later co-led the Jazz Brothers with his brother, Gap.
Rest in peace, Chuck… pic.twitter.com/l6btTv13Dq
— Melodies & Masterpieces (@SVG__Collection) July 24, 2025
The ’70s were good for Chuck Mangione, but the 80s were even better. In 1977, the album and title track, “Feels So Good,” became mega hits, and propelled jazz into popular music, and no doubt introduced many to the genre. He got the Olympic nod again in 1980, when his song, “Give It All You Got,” was the theme for the Olympic Winter Games in Lake Placid. He played it during the closing ceremonies of the Games in front of a worldwide audience of millions.
By the late eighties, Mangione took a break from touring, but when his mentor, Dizzy Gillespie, died in 1993, it may have been the catalyst for a comeback. By 1994, he was back touring and recording. Chuck Mangione also branched out, playing himself as the Mega Lo Mart celebrity spokesman on “King of the Hill.”Â
In 1999, Mangione performed at a film and jazz festival in Poland. During that time, Poles were fighting for democracy, and music from his “Children of Sanchez” album had become an anthem of sorts. His performance left many in tears. Just recently, the nation’s smooth jazz radio stations voted “Feels So Good” as their all-time, number one song.
As a kid growing up in the 70s, Chuck Mangione was just one of the many jazz legends whose music my dad would play and could be heard throughout our house. I was the only kid on the block who knew who guys like Dave Brubeck, Gerry Mulligan, Art Blakey, and yes, Chuck Mangione were. I thought everyone’s dad listened to jazz…including Chuck Mangione.Â
My dad has been gone for 16 years now. But I appreciate the music he loved, as a trumpet player himself, and as a fan even more. I have learned later in life what my dad tried to teach–that jazz, like a lot of other things, is timeless.Â
Rest in Peace Chuck Mangione. The master of the flugel horn.
“Feels So Good” was everywhere.
Raise your hand if this banger was played in your home growing up. 🎶🎶🎶🎶 pic.twitter.com/XZZImCGw3t
— Danny Deraney (@DannyDeraney) July 24, 2025
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