Chuck Mangione, the Grammy-winning flugelhorn and trumpet virtuoso best known for his iconic smooth‑jazz hit “Feels So Good,” has passed away at age 84. He died peacefully in his sleep on July 22, 2025, at his Rochester, New York home, confirmed by his attorney Peter S. Matorin.
🎵 A Musical Career That Resonated Globally
Growing up in a jazz‑loving Italian family in Rochester, Mangione was mentored early by Dizzy Gillespie and later worked with Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers in the 1960s. His smooth style, melodic compositions, and radiant personality made him a beloved jazz ambassador.
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Released over 30 albums during a career spanning five decades
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Received 14 Grammy nominations, winning two:
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1977: Best Instrumental Composition for “Bellavia”
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1979: Best Pop Instrumental Performance for The Children of Sanchez soundtrack
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🌟 “Feels So Good” and Cultural Impact
His smooth jazz anthem Feels So Good (1977) became a global sensation:
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Peaked at No. 2 on Billboard’s Albums Chart
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Reached No. 4 on the Hot 100
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Featured across popular culture—referenced in Friends, Doctor Strange, South Park, and in jokes on King of the Hill, where Mangione portrayed himself.
In 1980, he performed “Give It All You Got” at the Winter Olympics closing ceremony in Lake Placid. His earlier composition “Chase the Clouds Away” was used during the 1976 Montreal Olympics.
🎭 Television & Pop Culture Persona
Mangione gained new fans through his voice‑acting role on the animated series King of the Hill, playing a fictional spokesperson for Mega Lo Mart—a running gag centered around his famous tune “Feels So Good.”
🎓 Education & Legacy
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Earned his Bachelor’s degree at Eastman School of Music (Class of 1963), later directing its jazz ensemble (1968–1972)
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Inducted into the Rochester Music Hall of Fame in 2012
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Donated memorabilia—including his signature felt hat and "Feels So Good" score—to the Smithsonian National Museum of American History in 2009
💬 Final Tribute & Impact
His family shared:
“Chuck’s love affair with music was defined by boundless energy, enthusiasm, and pure joy that radiated from the stage.”
Known for his genuine connection with fans, he often stayed after shows to sign autographs and meet concertgoers.
📋 Quick Facts
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Born: November 29, 1940, Rochester, New York
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Died: July 22, 2025 (age 84), Rochester, NY
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Grammy Awards: 2 wins (“Bellavia,” The Children of Sanchez)
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Hits: "Feels So Good," "Give It All You Got," "Chase the Clouds Away"
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Cultural Impact: Frequent King of the Hill appearances, Olympic performances, cross-generational influence
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