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John "Jab'o" Starks
1938 - 2018
John "Jab'o" Starks
1938 - 2018
Obituary
Guest Book
BORN
1938
DIED
2018
John Starks Obituary
Starks died Tuesday in Mobile days after entering hospice care for a bone marrow disorder and cancer, longtime manager Kathie Williams said Wednesday. He was 79.
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Starks played with Bobby "Blue" Bland for years before joining Brown. He and fellow drummer Clyde Stubblefield were the backbone of Brown's rhythm section in the late '60s and early '70s.
Rolling Stone magazine has ranked the Starks-Stubblefield combination among the greatest drummers of all time.
Starks was born in Jackson, located in rural southwest Alabama, north of Mobile. He grew up listening to blues and gospel music and began playing drums in his school band.
Starks and Stubblefield combined on some of Brown's best-known recordings, and Starks performed on hits including "Sex Machine" and "Super Bad." While Starks came from a blues background and Stubblefield was known more for funk, the two meshed.
"You have to understand this: We're two different drummers," Starks told National Public Radio in an interview in 2015. "Clyde plays the way that Clyde plays, which, nobody's gonna play like Clyde. I play like I play. We can play the same tune, but different ways. You never played together on James' shows, but when he wanted to hear something different from Clyde, he'd point to me."
After gigs that included touring with blues legend B.B. King, Starks reunited with Stubblefield two decades ago. The two toured for years as the "FunkMasters," Williams wrote in a tribute.
Stubblefield died last year.
Starks' nickname "Jab'o" was given to him by an older brother in infancy, Williams said.
We invite you to share condolences for John “Jab’o” Starks in our Guest Book.
___
Written by JAY REEVES, Associated Press
Copyright © 2018 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
56 Entries
January 31, 2019
One of a kind!
Isaiah 61:2,2 ..DE
July 10, 2018
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
L J
June 29, 2018
My deepest condolences on your loss. May the God of all comfort give you strength to endure these painful times. Jeremiah 29:11
June 4, 2018
I would like to express my deepest sympathies for the loss of your loved one, who will be remembered for his contribution to the music industry. I hope you find comfort and help in God during this time of mourning.
( Psalms 86:17)
How you can show support
C S
May 31, 2018
To the Starks family
Mr Jab'o will be truly missed. The music he played was foot tapping,finger snapping and all of that and much more. Can not ever be replaced, but will not be forgotten. May the family find peace and comfort in praying to our God above and know that Mr Jab'o bought happiness to many of us with his music. What a legacy!! So sorry for your loss.
F L
May 30, 2018
To The Family,
Death leaves a heartache that only Almighty God can heal. Love leaves precious memories that know one can steal. May, "the God of all comfort," be with you and your family during this time of sorrow.1Cor 15:26
With Kindness and Heartfelt Regret, -
May 17, 2018
My condolences to the family and friends.
Evans family
May 15, 2018
There are no words to express the sorrow in our hearts. Please accept our condolences. Continue to rely on God and know that he hears your prayer, because he cares for you.
May 14, 2018
May you take comfort in the fact that god will make you firm and he will make you strong in your time of sorrow
May 14, 2018
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Wilma
May 12, 2018
May strength from above be with family friends and fans of John Starks
May your memories place a lasting smile on your heart
My prayers are with you during this time
May 12, 2018
I always liked James Brown and now I know why his music was such a hit partly because of this mans (Jab'os) influence. Peace to relatives and friends.
Kelvin & Paulette Holley & Family/Antioch BC
May 11, 2018
We extend our deepest sympathy to the Starks family. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Verdia Oliver
May 11, 2018
God be with the entire family and give you the strength you need. I am gonna miss my cousin husband, Beat the drums Jab'o, we all love you.
Aundrea Ai
May 10, 2018
My Condolences to the Starks Family
Mr. Dynamic Himself
I never will forget the day i met Mr. John Starks. As a young drummer I was recruited by the Lewis Brother Trio. One evening during a rehearsal session, Mr Joe Lewis introduced me to a well known person. Joe said, "Aundrea come over here, their is some one I like you to met. This is James Brown famous drummer." What a privilege and pleasure it was to have met Mr. Starks. Every time Jab'o would be in Mobile, I would make the jam session so I could learn some of the most funkiest drum beats in show business. Jab'o would show me some really nice drum fills and I continue to play them to this day. what a nice and kind heart person to be around, Jab'o had a smile that would light up a room and keep you smiling.I remember the time
Mrs. Starks would have front row seats for family and friends to watch the JB'proform.
Jab'o is a legend who achieves legendary fame.
what a very wonderful human being he was. And
may he be blessed in heaven.
Aundrea Ai
May 10, 2018
My Condolences to the Starks Family
Mr. Dynamic Himself
I Never will forget the day I met Mr.John Starks.
As a young drummer I was recruited by the Lewis
Brother Trio.One evening during a rehearsal session Mr.Joe Lewis introduced me to a well known person. Joe said "Aundrea come over here,
their is someone I like you to meet.This is Jab'o James Brown Famous Drummer." What a privilege and pleasure it was to've met Mr.Starks,Everytime Jab'o would be in Mobile
I would make the jam session so I could learn
some of the most "Funkiest" drum beats in show
business. Jab'o would show me some really nice
drum fills and I continue to play them to this
day.What a nice and kind hearted person to be around,Jab'o had a smile that would light up a
room and would keep you smiling,What a Legend
who achieves "Legendary Fame". Mrs.Stark thanks, For your kindness. May God continue to
Blessed you and your family in the time of your
lost.
May 10, 2018
My thoughts and prayers goes out to Jab'os family. He was truly a legend, his music will be missed!
May 9, 2018
I am so sorry to hear of Jab'os passing and extend heartfelt condolences to his family and friends. May your treasured memories comfort and strengthen you during this time of grief.
Tracey Smith
May 9, 2018
Deepest sympathy.
His beat goes on...
Soaring w God's Spirits
David Thompson
May 8, 2018
I always enjoyed your funky beats, especially on all the James Brown gigs "You Tube", Concerts, being loaded up by The James Brown Foundation headed by Deanna. It is an honor privilege as a trombone player to have the opportunity to "SIT IN " and jam with you in my own living room trying to keep up with you, "Jab'o ".
Thank you for all your positive irreplaceable up beat tempo inspirations. U ROCK !
BraveDaveEagle#13
Deborah Law (Easley)
May 8, 2018
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
A.Marie
May 8, 2018
My thoughts and prayers go out to the Starks family and friends of John He was no doubt an amazing man who brought love and kindness and great music to everyone. But thankfully we are able to find comfort in Deuteronomy 7:15 where it says that God will take away sickness. Hopefully you are able to find comfort in this message.
Nicolas Martin
May 7, 2018
Mr. Starks brought joy to millions, including me. Many thanks. RIP
May 7, 2018
You have my deepest sympathy for the death of your loved one. Losing someone you love is really hard to deal with. So please find comfort in God because he promises at Psalms 9:9 "He will become a sincere refuge in times of distress."
JE Jackson
May 7, 2018
Sincere condolences to the family and friends of Mr. Starks. The music he shared with us for many years will be remembered. He is resting in Gods memory.
May 7, 2018
Beloveds, truly sorry to hear about John "Jab'o" Starks' passing. His fine legacly will surely be remembered. I hope to meet him in Paradise! (Luke23:43)
May 7, 2018
My condolences to the family. May God be with the family at this most difficult time.
C
May 7, 2018
R.I.P. Thank you for the great music! Rest with The Lord.
Kim
May 6, 2018
My sincere condolences for your loss. May fond memories and the love of family and friends bring you comfort during this difficult time. Jeremiah 29:11.
May 6, 2018
Mr. Jab'o was a talented musician. We're very sorry to hear of his death. Our dear Father above will hold your family close to Him as you deal with this pain. Our sympathies to his loved ones.
C
May 6, 2018
Emma
May 5, 2018
What a loss!
John will be missed.
May the God who supplies comfort, be with you (Rom. 15:5). Sorry for your loss.
Virgil Varner
May 5, 2018
Who's that playing that funky noise/ Who's that playing that funky noise? Why it's "Jab'o" Starks, that's Who. Thanks for the funk My friend. May John rest in Paradise, in the presence of the 'ALL'. Family be strong in Love.
Sam S
May 5, 2018
Have the comfort that only God provides. Sam S
May 5, 2018
My deepest sympathies and prayers extended to family.friends and.fans.
Jab'o may your soul.be welcome to soul heaven with the music great
. What a F (fairhful) good time you will external have
A.c Hudson Sr
Macon G.A
Valenda Newell
May 4, 2018
A NATURAL DRUMMER...JOHN played the talent GOD gave him.....I heard beauty & elegance combined with passion & fire...when he dropped the beat.....PRAYERS
G S
May 4, 2018
Starks was a music making genius with drum rhythms and good ole beats and for these and other reasons Jab'o will truly be remembered for his fabulous work ! For his greatly distressed family and friends, these trustworthy words of comfort : " Most truly I say to you, the hour is coming, and it is now, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God, and those who have paid attention will live. " Sincere condolences and sympathies.
Annie
May 4, 2018
May God's loving kindness comfort you and help you through this sad and difficult time. Psalms 119:50,76.
christian
May 4, 2018
I'm so sorry for your loss. May the God of all comfort prove to be your stronghold during this difficult time.
Psalm 18:2
Douglaa Chinn
May 4, 2018
Family God BlessYou.Hey Jab-Sure Gettin'Down.The Only Man In The World To Beat Time? A Drummer. RIP Bro.
May 3, 2018
My deepest sympathies on your loss. I liked listening to their music. May the God of all comfort grant you his peace at this time.
Tony D'Agostino
May 3, 2018
To the family of John "JAB'O" Starks'
We are sorry for the loss "JAB'O".
The reason for some of us wanna-be drummers to pick up the sticks in the first place! THANKS!!!
JMS
May 3, 2018
To the Starks' Family: Losing a loved one is very painful. May the God of all comfort soothe your hearts during this most difficult time.
Marcy
May 3, 2018
His music will live on even though he is gone condolences to his family and loved ones. He will be missed. May you take comfort in prayers and loving support as you look towards the promise from ourHeavenly Father that soon this world conditions of death pain and sorrow will be over and there will be no more tears.
Bill
May 3, 2018
RIP, John! The sound you gave to JB was the quintessential drive in his music. Thanks for your contribution and talent!
T Wells
May 3, 2018
I am so sorry for your loss. Although your hearts are filled with pain and sorrow, our prayer is that you gain comfort and hope from God's promise to reunite us with our love ones on the earth, never having to say goodbye again. For Jesus will make this earth the problem-free paradise that His Father intended it to be. We have gained comfort and strength from this promise, may your family do the same.
May 3, 2018
Celebrating a life well lived. We will cherish the memories forever.
Louis Taylor
May 3, 2018
I will see you on the other side, I will be by your side. Rest in peace . Louis Taylor
Jeffrey Walker
May 2, 2018
Just keep the beat...rest in peace. Thank you for that we funky beats.
May 2, 2018
I am truly sorry for the loss of John o. May our Grand Creator bring comfort to each family member as the days pass. My prayers are with all of you. Isaiah 65:17-20 -
J H
May 2, 2018
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. May the fond memories of your loved one sustain your family at this time. May you also receive comfort from what is stated at 1 Peter 5:6,7.
May 2, 2018
So long, my friend! We'll meet again soon.
May 2, 2018
My sincere condolences to the family and friends of John during this time of grief.sorry for your great loss. Job 33 :25
Mobilian ATLien
May 2, 2018
EVERY rapper and hip hop artist owe a debt of gratitude (and money) to Jabo and Clyde for the "sick beats" that they sampled.
Jabo, Clyde and Jimmy Nolen ARE the DNA of Funk and Hip Hop.
RIP Mr. Starks
May 2, 2018
EVERY rapper and hip hop artist owe a debt of gratitude (and money) to Jabo and Clyde for the "sick beats" that they sampled.
Jabo, Clyde and Jimmy Nolen ARE the DNA of Funk and Hip Hop.
RIP Mr. Starks
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