Tributes have flooded in for legendary R&B drummer James Gadson following his death at the age of 86. The news was confirmed by Ghostbusters icon Ray Parker Jr in a post on his Instagram page. Sharing a picture of the pair together he penned: "RIP James Gadson, We played together over 50 years. He changed the world." Throughout his career James worked with the great and good of the industry including Bill Withers, Marvin Gaye, Quincy Jones, Rose Royce, Tavares, Herbie Hancock, and Diana Ross, and pop and rock stars like Beck and Wilco.
Producer JJ Blair, who is renowned for his work with artists such as Johnny Cash, June Carter Cash, Rod Stewart and The Who also shared an emotional tribute, reflecting the deep impact Gadson had on his life and music and revealing the star had been unwell for some time. “I’m gutted right now. I just learned of James Gadson’s passing. We’d been friends for about 20 years. We were on a session together, I gave him a record I made, and he called me up, told me how much he loved the record, and then wound up playing my wedding," he penned.
"He’d been having some serious health problems this year, and we had to keep pushing back his coming in to talk about Marvin Gaye 'I Want You,' because he played the drums on that record.
"I just talked to him last week, when he called me to say that he wasn’t feeling well...He was the loveliest, kindest man. The greatest right hand to ever put a stick on a high hat.
"I just had one of the most amazing days of my life, and now I’m crying. I’m so grateful not only to have worked with and played with him, but also to have known him and called him a friend.
"Thank you for all your kindness and for showing us where the pocket is. Rest in power, James.”
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