Wow the Funkisphere is shocked and saddened by one of it”s most revered “Cats” Drummer, James Gadson.

The “Cats” are those special side folks who add something special to your favorite artists music or enhancing their performance.

James Gadson was no exception.

Born in 1939 in Kansas City Gadson gained  prominence playing with Charles Wright’s  first incarnation of  the Watts 103rd Street Rhythm Band, lending his Vocals ans Drumming to one of their earliest hits, “Love Land” which peaked at #16 on the Hot 100 and #23 on the R+ B Charts.

After leaving the group Gadson quickly became an in-demand session drummer most noitably backing Bill Withers on hits like, Use Me, Kissing My Love, and others. He went on to work with Marvin,Gaye, Diana Ross, Barry White and even Paul McCartney along  withcountless others.

He went on to record Videos about Drumming and his Style and Philosophy on Playing.

Gadson passed away on April 2nd 2026 at the age of 86.

Thanks for the Music and Memories.