Chuck Mangione, the beloved Grammy-winning jazz flugelhornist and composer known for his 1977 cross-over hit “Feels So Good,” has died at the age of 84. Mangione passed away peacefully in his sleep on Tuesday at his home in Rochester, New York, according to a local funeral home.
Celebrated for a career that spanned more than five decades and encompassed over 30 albums, Mangione was widely regarded for his energetic performances and heartfelt connection with fans. In a statement to the Rochester Democrat & Chronicle, Mangione’s family paid tribute to his enduring passion for music, describing it as a “love affair… characterized by his boundless energy, unabashed enthusiasm, and pure joy that radiated from the stage.”
A native of Rochester, Mangione was born Charles Frank Mangione in 1940. Raised in a musically inclined household, he was introduced early on to jazz legends like Dizzy Gillespie, a close family friend, who frequently joined the Mangiones for dinner. Recognizing the young musician’s talent, Gillespie gifted Mangione one of his iconic “upswept” trumpets while he was still a teenager.
Mangione’s musical journey began at age eight, and by adulthood, he had become a virtuoso flugelhorn and trumpet player with a distinctive, lyrical sound that brought jazz into the mainstream. His 1977 single “Feels So Good” soared to No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and earned a Grammy nomination for Record of the Year. The song, and the album of the same name, remain staples on smooth jazz radio stations to this day.
Among his many accolades, Mangione won two Grammy Awards. He earned his first in 1977 for Best Instrumental Composition for “Bellavia”, named after his mother, and his second in 1979 for Best Pop Instrumental Performance for “The Children of Sanchez,” the soundtrack to the film of the same name. That soundtrack also won a Golden Globe Award.
Mangione’s music reached international audiences through major sporting events as well. His piece “Chase the Clouds Away” was featured in the 1976 Summer Olympics in Montreal, while “Give It All You Got” served as the theme for the 1980 Winter Olympics in Lake Placid.
In later years, Mangione found renewed popularity through pop culture, playing a recurring version of himself on the animated TV series King of the Hill. As a fictional celebrity spokesperson for the “Mega-lo-Mart,” his tagline, “shopping feels so good,” became a fan favorite. He also composed music for the show’s 1998 Valentine’s Day episode.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Mangione was known for his humility and personal connection with fans. After concerts, he would often sit at the edge of the stage, signing autographs and chatting with audience members long into the night.
Chuck Mangione leaves behind a lasting legacy in American music, one built on innovation, accessibility, and an unwavering joy for performance. He is survived by his family and a global community of fans and fellow musicians who continue to be inspired by his timeless sound.
Written By Rodney Mbua
