Jazz Legend Chuck Mangione, Known for ‘Feels So Good,’ Dies at 84

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The two-time Grammy-winning musician Chuck Mangione, who gained international fame in 1977 with his hit jazz tune “Feels So Good” and later lent his voice to the animated TV comedy “King of the Hill,” passed away at the age of 84.

Mangione passed away peacefully at his residence in Rochester, New York, on a recent Tuesday night, as confirmed by his legal representative, Peter S. Matorin from the law firm Beldock Levine & Hoffman LLP. Since 2015, the musician had been enjoying his retirement.

One of his most popular songs, “Feels So Good,” is a regular feature on many smooth-jazz radio stations and has been referred to as one of the most well-known tunes since “Michelle” by the Beatles. It reached No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and took the top spot on the Billboard adult contemporary chart.

In 2008, Mangione shared with the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette that a particular song helped us gain even more popularity than our already substantial fan base allowed us to maintain through regular touring. This song took our visibility to unprecedented heights.

After delivering that tune, he played “Give It All You Got,” a piece specifically composed for the 1980 Winter Olympics in Lake Placid. He performed this number during the closing ceremony.

Mangione, a skilled musician who played both the flugelhorn and trumpet as well as composed jazz music, released over thirty albums throughout his career. He gained a substantial fanbase by producing numerous albums on his own and handling all the songwriting.

In 1977, he received his first Grammy Award for his album “Bellavia,” named after his mother. Additionally, another album titled “Friends and Love” was up for a Grammy nomination. Moreover, he gained a Golden Globe nomination for best original score and a second Grammy for the film “The Children of Sanchez.”

He won his first Grammy in 1977 with the album “Bellavia,” dedicated to his mother. His album “Friends and Love” was also nominated, while he received a Golden Globe nomination for best original score and another Grammy for the movie “The Children of Sanchez.”

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He earned his first Grammy Award in 1977 with the album “Bellavia,” which honored his mother. Additionally, “Friends and Love” was nominated for a Grammy, and he garnered a Golden Globe nomination for best original score and another Grammy for the film “The Children of Sanchez.

Mangione made his debut to a fresh group of spectators during the initial seasons of “King of the Hill.” He portrayed a promotional figure for Mega Lo Mart, where shopping was said to be an exceptionally enjoyable experience.

Mangione, who was the sibling of renowned jazz pianist Gene (Gap) Mangione and collaborated with him in the Jazz Brothers, initially made his mark in the bebop jazz scene, deeply influenced by trumpeter Dizzy Gillespie.

In his conversation with the Post-Gazette, Mangione mentioned that this musician was among the first I’ve seen who effortlessly connected with the audience. He did this by simply informing them about the songs he was about to perform and introducing the members of his band.

Mangione completed his undergraduate studies at the Eastman School of Music, later becoming the director of their jazz ensemble. Subsequently, he ventured out to perform with Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers after departing from home.

In 2009, he generously contributed items like his iconic chocolate-brown felt hat, the sheet music for his Grammy-winning hit “Feels So Good,” albums, songbooks, and various memorabilia from his distinguished career to the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History.

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2025-07-24 21:56