Two-time Grammy winner Chuck Mangione passes away at 84

Renowned flugelhorn and trumpet player Chuck Mangione died peacefully in his sleep on July 22, 2025, at his home in Rochester, New York. He was 84. His family shared the news in a statement released on July 24 through the Rochester Democrat and Chronicle.

“The family of Chuck Mangione is deeply saddened to share that Chuck peacefully passed away in his sleep at his home in Rochester, New York,” the statement read.

Mangione was not only a celebrated jazz musician but also a prolific composer, producing a remarkable 30 albums over his lifetime.

A Musical Journey Shaped by Family, Jazz, and Passion

Chuck Mangione’s musical journey began at the young age of 8. By high school, he was already performing in a jazz group with his pianist brother, Gap Mangione. Both siblings drew heavy inspiration from jazz icon Dizzy Gillespie—a close friend of the family who frequently joined them for dinner. Gillespie was so impressed with Chuck’s early talent that he gifted him one of his signature bent trumpets.

After graduating from the Eastman School of Music in 1963 with a degree in music education, Mangione later returned to the school to direct its jazz ensemble. His deep-rooted passion for jazz and education remained a constant throughout his life.

Mangione’s career took off as he won two Grammy Awards: Best Instrumental Composition for “Bellavia” in 1977, and Best Pop Instrumental Performance in 1979 for “The Children of Sanchez,” the soundtrack to the film of the same name—which also earned a Golden Globe.

His biggest mainstream hit, “Feels So Good,” became a cultural staple in the late 1970s, reaching No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100. The album of the same name hit No. 2 in 1978, second only to the Saturday Night Fever soundtrack.

Beyond the Stage: Mangione’s Legacy and Impact

Mangione’s influence reached beyond concert halls. His upbeat anthem “Give It All You Got” became the official theme of the 1980 Winter Olympics in Lake Placid, where he performed for hundreds of millions during the closing ceremony.

In a more playful twist, Mangione became a recurring character on the animated show King of the Hill, where both he and his hit “Feels So Good” were frequently featured. He even lent his voice to the show.

His family described him as an artist who exuded “boundless energy, unabashed enthusiasm, and pure joy that radiated from the stage.” He was deeply committed to his fans, often spending hours after shows signing autographs and chatting with those who stayed behind.

Chuck also prioritized music education, often incorporating high school bands into his performances or inviting children to bring instruments and play with him during matinee shows.

His legacy was formally recognized in 2009 when he donated personal memorabilia to the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History. The collection includes his iconic brown felt hat, sheet music, albums, photographs, and even an animation cell from King of the Hill.