Rochester Music Legend Chuck Mangione Dies at 84

Rochester, NY – The music world mourns the loss of Chuck Mangione, the iconic jazz flugelhornist, trumpeter, and composer, who passed away peacefully in his sleep at his Rochester home on July 22, 2025, at the age of 84. Known for his timeless hit “Feels So Good,” Mangione leaves behind a legacy that shaped jazz and inspired generations.

A Storied Career in Jazz

Born on November 29, 1940, in Rochester, New York, Charles Frank Mangione rose to fame with his soulful melodies and distinctive flugelhorn sound. His career, spanning over six decades, began in his teens alongside his brother, Gap Mangione, with their group, The Jazz Brothers. Mangione’s breakout came in the 1960s as a member of Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers, sharing the stage with jazz legends like Dizzy Gillespie and Cannonball Adderley.

Mangione’s 1978 single “Feels So Good” became a global sensation, reaching No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 and topping the Adult Contemporary chart. The album of the same name is considered one of the most successful jazz records ever produced. His compositions, including “Bellavia” and “Children of Sanchez,” earned him two Grammy Awards and 14 nominations, cementing his place in music history.

A Rochester Icon

A proud Rochester native, Mangione graduated from Benjamin Franklin High School and earned a bachelor’s degree from the Eastman School of Music in 1963. He later returned to lead the school’s jazz ensemble from 1968 to 1972 and received an honorary doctorate. In 2012, he was inducted into the Rochester Music Hall of Fame, alongside his brother Gap in 2015. His contributions extended beyond music, including a benefit concert in 1980 for Italian earthquake victims and inspiring young musicians through school performances.

Mangione’s music also reached global audiences through his Olympic connections. His composition “Chase the Clouds Away” was featured in the 1976 Summer Olympics, and “Give It All You Got” served as the theme for the 1980 Winter Olympics in Lake Placid, where he performed at the closing ceremony.

A Lasting Legacy

Mangione’s influence transcended jazz, with a recurring role as himself on the animated series King of the Hill, where he voiced a celebrity spokesman for Mega Lo Mart. His signature brown felt hat and music memorabilia, donated to the Smithsonian in 2009, remain symbols of his vibrant career. Fans remember his boundless energy and dedication, often staying after concerts to sign autographs for hours.

“Chuck’s love affair with music was characterized by his unabashed enthusiasm and pure joy that radiated from the stage,” his family said in a statement, asking for privacy during this time.

Tributes Pour In

The Rochester International Jazz Festival co-producers Marc Iacona and John Nugent expressed their grief: “Chuck was more than a global icon. He was one of our own. His music will continue to echo through the hearts of fans near and far.” Social media posts on X reflected the sentiment, with fans sharing memories of “Feels So Good” and its impact on their lives.

Mangione is survived by his brother Gap and a worldwide community of fans. His music, from the soaring flugelhorn melodies to his heartfelt compositions, will continue to inspire.

Stay tuned to NRIGlobe.com for updates on memorial services and tributes to Chuck Mangione.

Keywords: Chuck Mangione, Feels So Good, Rochester jazz, Grammy-winning musician, Eastman School of Music, Jazz Brothers, King of the Hill, 1980 Winter Olympics