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Ndugu Chancler
1952 - 2018
Ndugu Chancler
1952 - 2018
Obituary
Guest Book
BORN
1952
DIED
2018
Ndugu Chancler Obituary
His wife, Brenda, confirmed his death to Rolling Stone. A cause of death was not released at this time.
Chancler was on the drums for three tracks from Michael Jackson’s hit album “Thriller.” In addition to “Billie Jean,” he played on “P.Y.T.” and “Baby Be Mine.”
He was an in-demand studio drummer who played with many greats including Miles Davis, Lionel Ritchie, Santana, and Eric Clapton.
Chancler also co-wrote the Dazz Band’s 1982 hit dance funk song “Let It Whip.”
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He was born Leon Chancler in Shreveport, Louisiana in 1952.
While staying active as a musician, he also became an Adjunct Assistant Professor of Jazz Studies at the University of Southern California and taught at the Stanford Jazz Workshop.
Many musicians paid tribute to Chancler on social media.
Quest Love, drummer for The Roots, talked about Chancler’s drumming skills on “Billie Jean” on Instagram:
“In my opinion, the “Billie Jean” intro is the greatest example of something so simple that you take it for granted. But if you truly dissect it. It’s a complex compelling performance. The tone is spot on. Enough snap on the snare but not too thin that it enters Ska/James Brown crack snare territory. The amount of reverb Bruce Swedien applies is SPOT on perfect. The performance However is timeless like a tuxedo. Or a pair of chucks. Or jeans and white t shirt. It literally gives MJ his dna...”
Mark Schulman, tour drummer for Pink, on Twitter:
“RIP dear Ndugu Chancler you were such a drumming influence and a gentleman to me! Love and light to your family!”
99 Entries
Delmer Wilburn, Jr
October 28, 2018
Atteneded elementary school with him, and hadn't seen him in years, life cones full circle, he toured Japan a number of times over the last several years with a cousin, David T. Walker. If one wants to experience the embodiment of joy that Ndugu lived, go to Youtube and see the numerous live performances of he and David T. together in Japan. It will bring joy to your heart. RIP, giant spirit.
Pamela Waters
September 2, 2018
I will love you and your music forever. Sleep peacefully my brother.
July 1, 2018
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Baby Brother!! I Love You and Miss You!! RIH!! Henry N. Chancler, Jr.
Paula Edelstein
June 18, 2018
Rest in peace, dear Ndugu.
How you can show support
June 11, 2018
Ndugu was always a gentleman to me when after his performance at Agape Church of Religious Science, he would chat with me about Jazz. He has exited too soon.
Barbara Samuels
Gilda Hagood
June 6, 2018
Gilda Hagood
Ndugu still lives in my heart. Its not a day that foes by that i think of him.
Ndugu was always there for me in friendship. Ndugu still lives!!
May 20, 2018
My heart broke with sorry last week when I was informed of the passing of my dear friend, Ndugu. We met many years ago on a flight of mine when I was a flight attendant with Eastern Airlines.This shows you how long we've been friends. To his son: Rashon,I offer you my utmost, and sincerest condolences! Your Dad was 1 of a kind, and I will miss him dearly!
Mrs. Delilah Williams-Rashad
Hempstead, L.I. New York
Rest in Eternity with the Love and Peace of God!
Stacey Cooper
April 17, 2018
My Brother Ndugu, you always so kind and gracious to me whenever we met. You were a giant among drummers, yet had the meekness and love of God toward others. You will be greatly missed. Your Drum Brother, Stacey Cooper
Evans family
April 15, 2018
With deep sympathy as you remember Ndugu.
Remembering the place in your heart that your love one holds will help you in the days ahead. God holds us up to endure. Sharing your sadness.
March 24, 2018
Sincere sympathy for the Chancler family.
R B
March 11, 2018
The beat of your drums will forever play on. Psalms 90:10
Bill & Sharline Pennerman
March 11, 2018
Just a closer walk with thee...I can picture that radiant smile that would light up the room. Continued prayer for family and children. Lord thank you for sharing this creative and magnificent drummer with us.
Sharline Williams
March 11, 2018
I'm so fortunate to have been in the presence as well as known this beautiful and innovative soul. Praise the Lord, he needed a drummer in Heaven. May he rest in power.
March 7, 2018
The impression you left on me while we were students at Locke High School together has lasted throughout my entire life. I admire that you knew what you wanted to do in life when you were just 15 years old. Yesterday, while attending your celebration of life, I learned so much more about you as a person and father. You left quite a legacy, my man. I am proud to have spent, at least, a short period of my life knowing you. Rest in peace Professor.
Lisa Van Malsen
March 7, 2018
May you rest in peace.
God be with your family and friends at the sad time!
Blessings,
Bennie Terry
March 7, 2018
I will miss you and it won't be the same at the coffee shop. You always greeted me with that great smile of yours and your words of wisdom will always remain with me. RIP
Miki Turner
March 7, 2018
I will so miss your presence at the U club where you were the first person to ever greet me while I was sitting alone at the bar. You were the beat that kept us happy and humble. Miss you dearly my friend. I wish we had met earlier in life. Rest well.
HUB/REAGAE M
March 6, 2018
ONE LOVE!
Dave Hampton
March 6, 2018
I will miss your consistent advice and council. You were one of the first musicians who actually remembered my name and asked how I was doing. It meant a lot then and over the years I always was glad to see you at different functions. Peaceful Journey brother.
Dave Hampton (Los Angeles, California)
Jan Michael Alejandro
March 5, 2018
We Bide Our Time
We bide our time
We go to work
We come home
We welcome the dawn
We curse the dusk
Some days we make a difference
Some days we just can't make the hurt go away
We welcome the dusk
We curse the dawn
From time to time, we have the answers
From time to time, we share some good
But we bide our time, as do most
We share our pain, as do most
Herald the calm and peace of death
Let it be, as we bide our time
Herald the memory of life gone by
And let us smile, as we bide our time
JMA
I am so sad to hear that Leon "Ndugu" Chancler passed away.
I met Ndugu in San Francisco in 1974 when he was playing in Santana. They rehearsed at S.I.R. When Muffie and I ran it.
Ndugu was always a wonderful, warm person. Yes, he was super talented, but I will always remember his giant smile, laughs and being one of the nicest people.
My heart goes out to his family and his friends. He is certainly playing with a great band of angels. ❤
leo allen
March 1, 2018
He was a great drummer, but he was a better human being who treated everyone with love and respect. He was generous with his time and talent. He will be greatly missed by jazz and r&b fans.
Yul Moore
February 25, 2018
We lost a great drummer and a nice man. Rest in peace brother. See you on the other side
Keller Coleman
February 24, 2018
One of the greatest drummers every to play a drum set. Will be missed.
Gretchen Winfield
February 18, 2018
Rest easy my dear friend
Brigitte Rodgers
February 14, 2018
Missed in so many different ways
Marsha Eugene-Domingue
February 13, 2018
My Prayers are with Ndugu's Family...His Smile said it all. Rest in Peace Forever.
February 13, 2018
Ndugu, your smile was a ray of sunlight to the soul. Continue to shine where ever you are. You are missed & Loved. Blessings abound, Roxanne
Michael Young
February 12, 2018
Will miss you, your laugh and your talking smack while playing cards. Drum on brother!
Juanita Colquitt
February 12, 2018
To the family of Ndugu Chancler; Sorry for your precious loss. This is why we have this hope from God,the promise at Isaiah 35:5,6 gives you comfort and hope in the days to come.
Phillips
February 12, 2018
In credible musician. Sympathy to the family. Although you miss your loved one terribly, I hope you fine comfort in knowing that Almighty God misses those that have died. And he will bring back to life all those in his memory.
Jonathan Coleman
February 12, 2018
What an incredible drummer and truly nice, warm hearted man. He will be fondly remembered and dearly missed by titans in the music world. I had the pleasure of working with him on a recording project of mine and he was so giving and creative. I occasionally saw him and he was always friendly, positive and encouraging to me. Rest In Peace - You made a huge difference as a gifted musician and educator and made it look easy.
isaac suthers
February 11, 2018
RIP my friend.I'll always remember your quiet kindness.Thanks for playing & producing on the Klique albums.
H. Battle
February 11, 2018
Rest in peace my brother now your playing the drums for the Lord.
James Bigbee
February 11, 2018
A true talent we will miss you dearly
Paula Edelstein
February 11, 2018
Peaceful journey sweet prince.
Nelson Hayes
February 10, 2018
Condolences to all family and friends on the passing of one of the nicest guys around.
February 10, 2018
A very talented person. So sorry to hear about your families loss. I would like to express my deepest sympathies. May the God of all comfort grant you peace at this time.
Reed Family
February 10, 2018
JMS
February 10, 2018
My condolences are with the family of Ndugu Chancler. The world grieves the lost of another great musician. May you gain comfort in knowing that we will all miss him greatly while I pray that God will give you the comfort you need during this most difficult time.
Brian Nisbet
February 9, 2018
I just want the family to know that Ndugu came to the Vancouver BC area about 15 yr's ago and did a clinic, I went early and we had a great time just talkin drums, he then went out of his way to,talk to about an 11 yr old boy about drums and proceeded to give him a lesson on a snare drum, his gentle demeanour and kindness just touched me deeply. He played a dynamite drum solo and then to this very young crowd he said " I'm now going to play you a solo quietly to show you the beauty of this instrument" that night just blessed me deeply ,I've told many drummers this story and every time what comes to my heart is the " Spirit of the Man" that night , bless you all,may the Peace of God be with you at this time of loss.
Larry Willians
February 9, 2018
My dear friend, life cannot take the love I have in my heart for you. Love man man.
Ronee Martin
February 9, 2018
To Brenda and Family.....Such a great man....so glad to have gotten a chance to work with Ndugu.....Peace and blessings.... my absolute condolences....healing hugzzzz to you all....
Connor family
February 9, 2018
An amazing and gifted talent He has departed this life too early. RIP Ndugu Chancler". GOD bless!
Michael and kolu Richards
February 9, 2018
we are deeply sorry for the death of your love one we hope you will take courage in this time of sorrow. may the almighty God console the families in this time of sorrow.
S S and family
February 9, 2018
My heartfelt condolences go to the family of Mr. Ndugu Chancler. I am truly sorry for your loss. May the God of all comfort be with you and may you rely on him to sustain you during your time of sorrow.
February 9, 2018
My sincere condolences to Brenda Chancler, Family and friends for the loss of your dear husband, other relative and friend ~ Ndugu. May the hope that God's word gives us for those we lost in death be comforting, faith building and encouraging to you (John 6:40) ~ Linda, Queens, NY
God bless
Michael Lanier
February 8, 2018
I am deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Ndugu. He was my next door neighbor on Mount Vernon Street for most of my childhood. He will be remembered as a warm, loving, friendly and outgoing man. Not to mention. World class drummer/musician. I believe he bought a Datsun 260Z or 280z around the same time that my father Luther Lanier bought one when they first came out. He will be deeply missed.
John 3:16
Michael Lanier and family
Tracy Arthur
February 8, 2018
RIP Ndugu, not just a great musician but a really nice person. My honor to have known you
February 8, 2018
Sending my deepest condolences to the family. May you take comfort in knowing that your loved one is at peace. Ecclesiastes 9:5.
February 8, 2018
Please accept my sincere condolences for your loss. May you be comforted by our loving God during this very sad time, John 3:16.
Angela Russell
February 8, 2018
Rest in Peace Ndugu. You leave a legacy of being one of the greatest drummers in the world and you have passed this legacy on to generations through education and performances. Your legacy will live on forever! Condolences to your wife and family and may they find love, comfort and support from each other during this time. It was an honor to know you.
Angela Russell
Wil Freeman
February 8, 2018
Dear Friend,
Please accept my heartfelt condolences during your families time of bereavement. It is my hope that you all will be encouraged by the comfort found in Genesis 3: 17-19. Please allow that thought to help you cope.
Donna Ward
February 8, 2018
These pass two weeks have been a Homecoming. Just a few good Flowers , our Father has plucked and Lord, he's only taking the Best. Godspeed
Mack Hilber
February 7, 2018
My sincere and heartfelt condolences to the Chancler family, for the loss of our brother and friend Ndugu. For he was the full package, musician, writer and teacher, I think God for letting me know him as a true friend, for he will be missed.
Juanita
February 7, 2018
Heartfelt condolences to the family for your great loss. May his legacy of love and generosity live on through each of you. May the God of all comfort sustain each of you during your time of grief.
Michael Fraction
February 7, 2018
To family and friends my sorrow for your loss.
The first concert I went he was playing. This was at Mcarthur park in LA. Ugima assemble may be that was the name of the group, he was on fire. His spirit will live in all of us. Please let me know when the services are.
Wright
February 7, 2018
To the Chancler family,friends,colleagues,and fans: Our heartfelt condolences to all who knew him,his talent can not be duplicated,but respected by all.May the God of comfort give you courage and endurance.
February 7, 2018
So sad to lose such a talented man. His music will live on for all to discover and enjoy. May the God of all comfort be with Mr. Chancler's family, friends and fans during your period of mourning.
Mike
February 7, 2018
As a Drummer I must say his style was one of a kind and I learned a lot from him RIP say hi to MJ
February 7, 2018
Great talent and educator Leon you will be missed
Joyce Reidy
February 7, 2018
We will all miss him. We serviced his older Classic Range Rover for almost 20 years. He was a true gentleman and a true legend. R.I.P Leon Chancler. From British Car Service in LA.
Owen Butler
February 7, 2018
I still enjoy hearing his musicianship skills on some older George Duke albums. My condolences to his loved ones.
February 7, 2018
Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.
wmc
February 7, 2018
R.I.P NDUGU
Ann Stokman Stokman
February 7, 2018
Loved "Billie Jean"
Lowell Brailey
February 7, 2018
A great talent that will be missed. Ndugu instructed my daughter at the Stanford Jazz Workshop one summer. To his family: I am so sorry for your loss. God Bless
February 7, 2018
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Peace and comfort to the family. Psalms 37:11
Darhand
February 7, 2018
February 6, 2018
So sad to lose such a talented man. His legacy and large body of work will live on for all to discover and enjoy for years to come. May the God of all comfort be with his family, friends and fans during your period of mourning.
C Schroeder
February 6, 2018
To Ndugu's family:. May God bless you with His perfect peace at this difficult time. May you always be surrounded with love and comfort as you remember your husband, father, friend.
Our son was excited to meet Ndugu and play his music at the Texas Music Educators conference in San Antonio in just a week and a half. But God had other plans.
Just know that all of the jazz students and families in Texas are praying for you.
February 6, 2018
I knew Ndugu well, I was with him just three months ago at PASIC 17. Ndugu was a gentleman of such class and style. He was focused yet so very approachable. I will miss this find man deeply.
Cheers,
Karl Fitzgerald-Sloman
Harry Simpson
February 6, 2018
Godspeed Ndugu....
Jc
February 6, 2018
February 6, 2018
NDUGU:
So VERY glad to have spoken to you just ten days ago my "son". You have been a "LIGHT" in our friendship. I wish you "PEACE" now and an eternal existence in God's house.
Hal "Pops" Williams
Actor & Friend, Father Figure...
Vaughn Bratcher
February 6, 2018
I've been a follower of Ndugu since the 70's. As a bassist I was always drawn to his feel and taste. Seemed whatever the genre, he played the right part to make the song. We are losing great drummers such as himself.
Ndugu, may your spirit and light rain down on those of us still aspiring to bring joy and peace the world. RIP!!!!.
neyeswah abiku
February 6, 2018
Almost every time I visited LA and was able to connect with Ndudu he was gracious, welcoming and I was able to see him perform and it was remarkable. My condolences to you and the family...this is a time for grieving, and I must admit I am heartbroken. Psalm 121 for you if you want.
Kim Vinson
February 6, 2018
My deepest condolences and heartfelt prayers to the family of Ndugu Chancler. Ndugu was such a beautiful man and musician. It was an honor and fantastic experience to see him perform. What a journey in artistry, space and time.
I loved watching him play and interact with other musicians at various performances in Jazz circles.
Rest in peace, Ndugu. You're drumming in Heaven now! Sincerely, Kim
Kyle McLendon
February 6, 2018
My condolences to the family and friends. My God grant you peace
February 6, 2018
Truly saddened to hear about Ndugu Chancler's passing. His fine legacy will surely be remembered. I hope to meet him in Paradise! Luke23:43
Scott Chamberland
February 6, 2018
Rest in Peace
Douglas Davis
February 5, 2018
Ndugu, thank you for your love and light. I saw you play as a young man at the Ivanhoe in Chicago. I was awestruck by your brilliance. Years later you scored a small film for me. We jammed together and I could not believe the respect and love you emanated. The world has been enriched by your spirit. You will live forever!!!
Cliff Helander
February 5, 2018
Years ago you graciously offered to teach me the drums. I wish I had taken advantage of it.
Fj
February 5, 2018
My condolences to the family and friends of Ndugu Chandler. May the God of all bring you comfort at this most difficult time and may he fill your hearts with wonderful memories of Ndugu to cherish.
charlton myers
February 5, 2018
you're drumming will be missed
there's only 1ne ndugu
Cynthia Matthews
February 5, 2018
Rest in heaven
TRACY HARDIMON
February 5, 2018
ONE OF MY FAVORITE DUMMERS OF ALL TIME! IT WAS INDEED A PLEASURE MEETING YOU!! IN DRUM TERMS, YOU HAD CHOPS!!
February 5, 2018
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Darryl Henderson
February 5, 2018
R.I.P. Ndugu Chancler. A fellow Locke High School Saint. Very talented drummer. A long list of talented musician who came out of Locke High School.
Shari Ball
February 5, 2018
May Leon "Ndugu" Chancler rest in eternal peace, by the grace and mercy of God. Gone but not forgotten.
Shelia Jackson
February 5, 2018
Forever in My Heart! I will miss you tremendously! RIP Ndugu! My Deepest Condolences to his Family!
Adrian Barnette
February 5, 2018
We'll miss you !
E C
February 5, 2018
He will be missed. My condolences to the family.
February 5, 2018
My deepest condolences to Ndugu chancler Family and friends may fond memories of him continue to be a source of comfort.G .s
February 5, 2018
I hope your family can find some peace in knowing that you are not alone in your pain and grief. Almighty God promises to be close to those who are crushed in spirit and brokenhearted. Very sorry for your sadness.
Isaiah 57:15
Stockbridge Ga
AC
February 5, 2018
Another great musical talent gone to soon but not forgotten. God is good and merciful, he keep those who pass on in his memory because they are precious to him. Psalms 116:15.
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