ROCHESTER, NY – Chuck Mangione, the beloved flugelhorn virtuoso whose smooth jazz sound captivated audiences in the 1970s and beyond, has died at the age of 84.
The two-time Grammy winner passed away peacefully in his sleep at his home in Rochester, New York, according to a local funeral home.
His death marks the end of a vibrant career that spanned more than five decades and over 30 albums.
Mangione is best remembered for his 1977 crossover hit “Feels So Good,” a breezy, melodic instrumental that climbed to No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 and became an enduring anthem on smooth jazz stations. The accompanying album of the same name remains a staple of the genre.
In a statement to the Rochester Democrat & Chronicle, Mangione’s family said, “Chuck’s love affair with music has been characterized by his boundless energy, unabashed enthusiasm, and pure joy that radiated from the stage.”
A Life in Jazz
Born Charles Frank Mangione in Rochester in 1940, the flugelhornist and trumpeter was immersed in music from an early age.
He began lessons at age eight and was soon mentored by jazz legend Dizzy Gillespie, a close family friend who famously gifted him one of his trademark upswept trumpets.
Mangione’s rise in the jazz world was marked by a rare blend of classical training and natural flair.
His early compositions, including “Bellavia”—which earned him his first Grammy in 1977 for Best Instrumental Composition—were lauded for their emotive strength and technical finesse.
His Olympic-themed works also reached international audiences. “Chase The Clouds Away” was featured during the 1976 Montreal Summer Olympics, while “Give It All You Got” served as the theme for the 1980 Winter Games in Lake Placid.
In 1979, he won a second Grammy for Best Pop Instrumental Performance for “The Children of Sanchez,” a film soundtrack that also garnered a Golden Globe award.
A Star On and Off the Stage
Mangione was known not only for his musical talents but also for his deep connection to his fans.
After concerts, he often sat at the edge of the stage to sign autographs and greet audience members personally.
In the late 1990s, a new generation discovered Mangione when he played a recurring fictionalized version of himself on the animated sitcom King of the Hill.
As the celebrity face of the show’s fictional “Mega-lo-Mart,” his catchphrase—“Shopping feels so good”—became a cult favorite, and he even composed music for a Valentine’s Day episode.
A Lasting Legacy
Chuck Mangione leaves behind a legacy defined by warmth, accessibility, and innovation in jazz music.
His ability to bridge traditional jazz with pop sensibilities brought the genre to new audiences, earning him both critical acclaim and commercial success.
He is survived by his family and countless fans who found comfort and joy in his timeless melodies.