In Memory of Chuck Mangione
A Tribute from the Avant Garde Drum & Bugle Corps
It is with deep respect and admiration that we remember Chuck Mangione — not only a jazz legend, but a man whose music and heart left an indelible mark on the world and on Avant Garde.
Through his soaring flugelhorn, Chuck Mangione brought warmth, hope, and joy to millions. His timeless compositions like Feels So Good became anthems of an era, blending jazz, soul, and pop in a way that lifted spirits and inspired musicians everywhere — including those of us in the world of drum corps.
But Chuck Mangione’s legacy with Avant Garde extends beyond music charts and concert halls. It lives in the generosity he showed when he helped us raise funds for the Youth and Arts programs of Saratoga Springs — a moment forever etched in our history. That unforgettable concert, infused with his legendary energy and compassion, was a celebration of what the arts can do when powered by heart.
He reminded us that music is more than sound — it’s a force for good. It can change lives, build communities, and inspire generations. Chuck did all of that and more.
To the Mangione family — thank you for sharing Chuck with the world. To our alumni, fans, and fellow musicians — let us keep his spirit alive every time we take the field, raise an instrument, or lend our talents in service of something greater.
Josephine, Gap, and Mangione Family,
So sorry to hear of Chuck’s passing. Thank God his music will live on forever. His music brought so much joy and comfort to so many people. Both Chuck and Gap’s music has been with John and I during happy and sad times. I still listen quite often. Thank You.
Saddened to learn of the passing of this great and greatly talented musician. My heartfelt prayers and deepest sympathy go out to the entire Mangione Family.
Saddened to learn of the passing of this great and greatly talented musician. My heartfelt prayers and deepest sympathy go out to the entire Mangione Family.
I am so sad to hear of Chuck’s passing. He was such a part of my musical life, having played many of his pieces in high school. I still remember the beginning of Bellavia. I was lucky enough to see him play several times also. He was a great composer and musician. Your entire family are in my thoughts and prayers. I know his good work and music will live on.
Mr. Mangione inspired me as a music major in college. I bought his albums as I could afford them! Listened to them endlessly. He & his tunes not done, will be missed.
I had the opportunity to be on stage with Chuck when he was doing live performances around the San Francisco Bay Area back in the mid-70’s. At that time, I was in the trumpet section of a local junior college jazz band and was fortunate enough to be in his back-up band for these local performances. His passion for wanting to get “kids of all ages” interested and engaged in music was boundless. I was inspired by and admired him for this passion and to this day listen to his beautiful flugelhorn, keyboards, and musical genius. He brought beautiful compositions to us all to enjoy. Rest in Peace.
I can trace the entirety of my very wide music appreciation back to one moment… when my sister bought me Live at the Hollywood Bowl for my 12th birthday in 1979. I was the first record I owned myself. I had been playing trumpet at school for a year or two at this point, and I completely absorbed every note of every instrument on that album. I was so thrilled by the music, I rode my bicycle to the county library to investigate what other materials they had on Chuck. I found issues of DownBeat magazine, and after I read the Mangione articles, I began looking into the other artist’s profiles. I discovered Pat Metheny, Miles Davis, REM, Jaco and countless others via these connections. At some point I found an address for his management company (was it Gates Music?) and wrote a fan letter to Chuck. To this day I remember and am still mortified by the grammatical error I made trying to sound grown up… I led off with “Hi Mr Mangione, I am a 12 year old INSPIRING trumpeter…” I later realized I meant aspiring… Hahaha, I thought a lot of myself, huh? But he still took the time to send me back an autographed picture, which still sits in my memory box to this day. Every year thereafter I would regularly check the record stores and later CD shops for new music from my hero, through high school, college and beyond. Even in more recent years I would scour the web looking for any info on what Chuck was up to, and ended up sad that he seemed to have stop releasing music. No matter how much my tastes have grown and diversified, that Live album, and many of his other are like a comfort food for me. They take me back to a simpler, less strenuous point in life, and are endlessly enjoyable. Someone said that you know you are old when your childhood heroes die. Today I feel old, but I am so thankful that Chuck existed and shared his gifts with the world.
For my high school graduation, my parents said I could have a car or flugelhorn like Chuck. I chose the flugelhorn and still have it to this day. Chuck’s music has been a huge influence on me and he was always so nice and willing to talk shop with me. RIP to a great musician, man, and Rochester legend.
I’m saddend to hear of Chuck’s passing….. and yes all the great tributes!
My example of what a great performer/person he was …. I attended a concert of his and was fortunate enough to meet him. I asked him to sign his cd “70 Miles Young” which he graciously did ….. but given the cd was him and a pic of his father … He said to me … “we have to have papa sign this too”! Can you believe that? He then had one of his staff take me back to his dad’s trailer to have his dad sign the cd … too. Pretty crazy … I was just another person Chuck was meeting and he treated me like a friend and went out of his way … when he certainly didn’t need nor was expected to. I Love the man….. rest in peace my friend. Bob
I first saw Chuck perform at the Hampton,Virginia Jazz Festival in the mid 70’s. with Ester Sattlefied. What a great expereince! Additionally, I introducted my wife to his music when we saw him at Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts in Viena, Virginia.
Goodbye Chuck, your music will last forever. My condolences to the family.
Chuck and I were BFHS 1958 classmates. Followed his career through many Rochester venues; Auditorium, Pythodd, Woodcliff, Hyatt top of the plaza, Diasy Flour Mill, etc, etc. Always enjoying his music, talent and concerts- Friends In Love, Freddy’s walking. Thoughts and Prayers go out to Gap and their entire families. May Chuck Rest In Peace.
Met Chuck in Atlanta at a Chastain Park concert in the mid 80s as a college student . Super cool guy and wonderful nice family. Especially his niece Sweet Cheryl Lynn who I had met during a spring vacation. Became a big fan of album Save Tonight for Me and I have great memories of those college days when listening.
Sincere condolences and may happy memories provide solace.
Peace and comfort to you Cheryl and thank you for kindness and the Mangione introduction. (Drop me a note in time)…
Tim Mann
Mr. Mangione,
You have always been a flickering candle that shows the light in a world filled with trial and tribulation. Your music lightens listeners days of struggle and heartbreak to lift them up to the joyful and loving things about life. My mother loved you smooth jazz as do I. Thank you for the music and happiness in conveys and will fill the world long after the passing of your life. I am sure there will be flugelhorn music cheering up all in heaven. Thank you for your gift to mankind and may you rest in peace for eternity in God’s kingdom.
My late Wife, Jackie and I have been Chuck’s Web Mistress and Web Master for 30 years.
We were Very Proud to work for Chuck. We answered all the emails Chuck received, and they were
always Wonderful Testaments and thank you messages to Chuck. They are many coming in right now.
I met Chuck back in the when I was a young piano student at Hochstein school of Music.
We came to know each other again when I taught at School Without Walls in Rochester. He extended himself to my students and gave them wonderful experiences that they and I will never forget. His kindness and generosity spoke to a sensitive soul who was not afraid to reach out to others, especially young people. Well done Chuck- now Rest in the arms of Jesus.
As a young trumpet player in the late sixties and early seventies I loved the music of Chuck Mangione. I went to several concerts and I remember Chuck’s dad hawking tee shirts and albums at the Eastman Theater. My wife’s uncle also played drums with Chuck and Gap back in the 50’s when they performed in clubs around Rochester. His music is legendary and still brings a peaceful feeling to my soul. Rest in Peace! My sympathy to the family and I pray your find memories will ease your grief.
I grew up listening to Chucks music and met him with my friends and brothers in our school years when he came to town to play. He was a super generous and great guy and was an inspiration to us as young guys in music. At the concert, he signed my Tarantella album and let my brother play his flugel horn.
I’m a Rock and Roll guy but when a friend first played Feels So Good for me, I instantly loved it. Chuck Mangione was my introduction to Jazz and has opened my ears, mind and heart to so much more music. God bless you Mr. Mangione. You will be missed, thank you for all of your beautiful music.
The first time I heard “Chase the Clouds Away” with the intro of the phase shifter on the Fender Rhodes, then the other instruments as they “rolled” in…I was stopped dead in my tracks. I was on my Grandparents Carport Patio, and I just sat there mesmerized. It was so moving….when I heard later Esther Satterfield’s version of it, the lyrics made all the sense of the music. It was truly a beautiful piece of music and is my favorite of Mr. Mangione’s to this day. We all fell in love with “Land of Make Believe” and “Bellavia”….but for me, “Chase the Clouds Away” strikes me in the heart. I hope Chuck’s family feels all the love from all of us who loved him!!!
This news is so heart breaking. As Chuck mentioned Dizzy was his Jazz Father, I feel Chuck was mine. Learning to play trumpet at an early age and then being introduced to Chuck’s music made me want to learn and play Flugelhorn which I did. I had to pleasure of meeting Chuck on two occasions and both were inspirational. So many highlights over the years when I would talk to him…
My prayers are with the family, friends and fellow Flugelhornist…
To be absent from the body is to be present with the lord,
Since the late ‘60’s, when I first heard Chuck and Gap at the Shakespeare Lounge located in Xerox Tower, I loved his music. He was a true musician and performer. I will treasure the Chuck Mangione albums in my collection.
Play your flugelhorn for God, Chuck.
God Bless the family. 🙏🏻✝️
I’m so sorry to hear of the passing of Chuck Mangione, but so thankful for his music and inspiration in my playing the trumpet. My sincere condolences to his family and friends. May God bless Charles Frank Mangione, forgive him sins, and welcome him into the kingdom of Heaven.
My heartfelt condolences Nancy and family! You worked for me many years ago at long ridge mall and to this day I remember the day your dad came with you to pick up an application! So sweet then met him again at your high school graduation at his house … treasure the memories!! Xo Mary Kay
My dad being a musician, I grew up surrounded by music…always music. But I guess I was about four years old, when I first heard Chuck’s flugelhorn and the first time I felt the grip that music can have on your spirit.
With that, Children of Sanchez was the very first album, to which I would intentionally sit down and just listen — again and again…and tens of thousands of times, since. Amazing the impact a person can have on someone they’ve never even met — and his was a big one, on me. Through his music, I learned to feel ‘the pocket’, how to sense tension & release, and how music and lyrics can convey feelings of warmth, joy, and agony—the soul, really.
Moreover, Chuck seemed to be ever-present in the soundtrack of my life and I have so many memories and feelings that are intertwined with songs, riffs, and album covers. And that intertwining includes some of the dearest ones, in my life: my grandfather, my dad, my kids, my bride…
B’bye, Chuck. Thanks, for everything. Sadly, we never met—I would’ve liked to…I would’ve liked to tell you that, in the forest of my life, you were a sequoia.
My Dad took the family to sit on the lawn of the historic Rose Hill Mansion in Geneva, New York in the 1970s. We had listened to Chuch on the Rochester radio station but this was the first time in person. He did not disappoint us. When he closed with “Hill Where the Lord Hides,” the crowd stood to their feet. When I grew up and moved to Chicago, I often requested Chuck’s music on WNUA 95.5 Smooth Jazz station. I am forever a jazz fan. I am so sad for your loss, and I pray those who have gone before us are in a better place. He had the right idea; music and art should be in our schools and communities. God bless.
I was among Chuck’s earliest devoted fans who traveled from very rural Wayne County to many of his appearances at Nazareth, Eastman, Midtown, and out of the area. I witnessed some of his greatest onstage moments and recordings with Jerry Niewood which will forever permeate my soul. God bless Chuck. He has and will forever be Rochester’s Ambassador for everything musically great.
One of my favorite musicians that opened my interest for jazz when I was 25. Rest in peace Chuck, hopefully I will get to jam with you in heaven where there is no time limitations. I have told my family that when I die I would like LAST DANCE from Chuck. Such a beautiful peaceful tune!
Nancy – Bryan and I are so sorry for your loss. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Would love to reconnect and catch up. Love and Hugs sent your way.
So sad to hear he is gone, such a talented musician and humble man. I met him at the Rochester Music Awards in 2014, when he was being honored. I was there to introduce another honoree, Doriot Anthony Dwyer, principal flute of the BSO for many hears. A friend introduced us at a party the night before and told him I was a trumpet player who’d studied with 2 of the Boston Symphony trumpet players and taught at Berklee College of Music. Oh great, he said, a classical trumpet player. I laughed and said, Well, I’ve been a fan of yours forever and I have all your albums! We talked about the different gigs we’d played. Such a wonderful person. Bellavia. My deepest condolences to his family and friends.
Chuck provided me with hours of enjoyment though his music. Both listening and playing. My wife knew what kind of day I had by which song of Chuck’s was playing when she got home. I will be eternally grateful for his gift. Bellavia or Beautiful Way, I pray that he is on it now.
Dear Mangione Family,
Thank you for sharing your father, grandfather, uncle, loved one with the rest of the world. His music has been a joy and comfort to listen to for more than 40 years for me. “Chase the Clouds Away,” “Bellavia,” “Feels So Good,” and “Hill Where the Lord Hides” and many others have brought me joy. May you be blessed with wonderful memories of a fabulous musician.
My husband and I saw Chuck several times over the years when he came to perform in the Fort Worth/Dallas area. And we always enjoyed seeing his dad, Frank, selling t-shirts. He was one of our very favorite musicians. Sincere condolences to the family. We’ll definitely be listening to his music tonight.
I remember Papa Mangione, he was head of security. lol. I remember when Chuck came to Toronto, Canada, It was at the Ontario Place Forum. This was during the world cup of soccer in 1980. I had an Italian flag. Papa Mangione was so proud of it, I ended up giving him the flag. He was so grateful. He took this huge flag back stage to Chuck.
Nancy and Diana
In 1996 or 1997, your father played a concert in Fort Wayne, Indiana. The afternoon before his performance, he met with a small jazz combo of 4 very talented middle school students. He listened to them jam and even played along with them… giving pointers and encouragement. The students never forgot his kindness and the time he took to support their interest in jazz. Their parents… who had been teens when Feels So Good hit the charts… were starstruck. But our children experienced an amazingly talented musician, living the dream of being a successful jazz composer, performer and teacher, taking an hour of his life to improve their skills and to encourage them that with hard work and dedication, they could follow that same path. Thank you for sharing him with us… and everyone who loved his music.
Great jazz musician. Recorder 30 albums with some of the most beautiful melodies and greatest jazz instrumental songs ever recorded. A lot of school orchestras and marching bands played his music. I was blessed to see his last performance in the GTA of Toronto , in Brantford ON. I drove out to past Hamilton to see him live for the last time. I am glad I did. Even though he was suffering from a shoulder flexor muscle strain which made it difficult to blow, he obliged to play an encore I requested. The Encore was ‘Hill where the Lord Hides” A very difficult song to play on the trumpet at the end of a concert. He acknowledged that it would be difficult for him, he was on in years, but he obliged. Very grateful that he did. I will never forget it. Chuck’s music has helped me and uplifted my life. Thank you Chuck for the good vibes all these years. Feel so Sad.
I was introduced to Chuck’s music via my late father, Bob. “Feels So Good” was one of his absolute favorite albums, and it became one of mine. I’ve enjoyed it hundreds of times over the years. But his discography is far richer, deeper, and more diverse than just that massive hit (and more people should check that out). I am a music journalist who has interviewed hundreds of performers over the past 35 years. But I’ll always remember that Chuck was my first big name when I spoke to him for the student newspaper while a sophomore at the University of Texas in the late ’80s. My deepest condolences to his family and friends.
Was privileged to meet Chuck and the rest of the band (Chris, James, Grant and Charles) when they were playing a concert in New York. What set Chuck apart from other musicians that performed at this venue, is that he always came out after the concert to meet fans and sign autographs. I remember him just sitting on the edge of the stage chatting for what seemed like hours and soaking up all of the joy that he brought to everyone there.
He was truly a decent person and the world has lost the goodness that he brought, both in his music, and as a human being.
I’m so sorry for the loss to the Mangione family, but I hope the joy he brought to me and many others is some sort of solace during this difficult time. Thank you for sharing him with us.
My heart goes out to all of the Mangione family. I was and still am a huge fan along with my family. My fondest memories are of listening to Land of Make Believe and Bellavia on Sunday mornings while making Sunday “gravy”. I met Chuck Mngione at Meadowlands racetrack after one of his concerts and brought my Sunday “gravy T- shhirt with me to get his autograph. He signed it and we had a wonderful conversation. He will always be in my heart and I will be listening to my favorite Mangione tunes always. My thoughts and prayers to the family.
My condolences to the Mangione family. Chuck hosted the 1983 Drum Corps International Championship on PBS from Miami with me. We had fun talking about the “old Rochester TV days”. It came full circle during our drum corps salute to Chuck in August 2023 in Rochester. Great memories of great music. You left us with many musical gifts, Chuck. Thank you.
In Memory of Chuck Mangione
A Tribute from the Avant Garde Drum & Bugle Corps
It is with deep respect and admiration that we remember Chuck Mangione — not only a jazz legend, but a man whose music and heart left an indelible mark on the world and on Avant Garde.
Through his soaring flugelhorn, Chuck Mangione brought warmth, hope, and joy to millions. His timeless compositions like Feels So Good became anthems of an era, blending jazz, soul, and pop in a way that lifted spirits and inspired musicians everywhere — including those of us in the world of drum corps.
But Chuck Mangione’s legacy with Avant Garde extends beyond music charts and concert halls. It lives in the generosity he showed when he helped us raise funds for the Youth and Arts programs of Saratoga Springs — a moment forever etched in our history. That unforgettable concert, infused with his legendary energy and compassion, was a celebration of what the arts can do when powered by heart.
He reminded us that music is more than sound — it’s a force for good. It can change lives, build communities, and inspire generations. Chuck did all of that and more.
To the Mangione family — thank you for sharing Chuck with the world. To our alumni, fans, and fellow musicians — let us keep his spirit alive every time we take the field, raise an instrument, or lend our talents in service of something greater.
Rest easy, Chuck.
You made us all feel so good.
— Avant Garde Drum & Bugle Corps
Josephine, Gap, and Mangione Family,
So sorry to hear of Chuck’s passing. Thank God his music will live on forever. His music brought so much joy and comfort to so many people. Both Chuck and Gap’s music has been with John and I during happy and sad times. I still listen quite often. Thank You.
I can trace the entirety of my very wide music appreciation back to one moment… when my sister bought me Live at the Hollywood Bowl for my 12th birthday in 1979. I was the first record I owned myself. I had been playing trumpet at school for a year or two at this point, and I completely absorbed every note of every instrument on that album. I was so thrilled by the music, I rode my bicycle to the county library to investigate what other materials they had on Chuck. I found issues of DownBeat magazine, and after I read the Mangione articles, I began looking into the other artist’s profiles. I discovered Pat Metheny, Miles Davis, REM, Jaco and countless others via these connections. At some point I found an address for his management company (was it Gates Music?) and wrote a fan letter to Chuck. To this day I remember and am still mortified by the grammatical error I made trying to sound grown up… I led off with “Hi Mr Mangione, I am a 12 year old INSPIRING trumpeter…” I later realized I meant aspiring… Hahaha, I thought a lot of myself, huh? But he still took the time to send me back an autographed picture, which still sits in my memory box to this day. Every year thereafter I would regularly check the record stores and later CD shops for new music from my hero, through high school, college and beyond. Even in more recent years I would scour the web looking for any info on what Chuck was up to, and ended up sad that he seemed to have stop releasing music. No matter how much my tastes have grown and diversified, that Live album, and many of his other are like a comfort food for me. They take me back to a simpler, less strenuous point in life, and are endlessly enjoyable. Someone said that you know you are old when your childhood heroes die. Today I feel old, but I am so thankful that Chuck existed and shared his gifts with the world.
Lifelong fan of Chuck’s. I saw him live over thirty times and met him several times as well. I even interviewed him for my high school yearbook.
His music means more to me than I can articulate. He was absolutely a once in a lifetime talent. God bless, Chuck.
Requiem aeternam dona eis, Domine. Et lux perpetua luceat eis. Fidelium animae, per misericordiam Dei, requiescant in pace. ~Amen~
For my high school graduation, my parents said I could have a car or flugelhorn like Chuck. I chose the flugelhorn and still have it to this day. Chuck’s music has been a huge influence on me and he was always so nice and willing to talk shop with me. RIP to a great musician, man, and Rochester legend.
My example of what a great performer/person he was …. I attended a concert of his and was fortunate enough to meet him. I asked him to sign his cd “70 Miles Young” which he graciously did ….. but given the cd was him and a pic of his father … He said to me … “we have to have papa sign this too”! Can you believe that? He then had one of his staff take me back to his dad’s trailer to have his dad sign the cd … too. Pretty crazy … I was just another person Chuck was meeting and he treated me like a friend and went out of his way … when he certainly didn’t need nor was expected to. I Love the man….. rest in peace my friend. Bob
Rochester
I first saw Chuck perform at the Hampton,Virginia Jazz Festival in the mid 70’s. with Ester Sattlefied. What a great expereince! Additionally, I introducted my wife to his music when we saw him at Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts in Viena, Virginia.
Goodbye Chuck, your music will last forever. My condolences to the family.
Chuck, was a gift to the world. He is gone from sight, but never from our hearts.
Philip Montante (cousin)
Met Chuck in Atlanta at a Chastain Park concert in the mid 80s as a college student . Super cool guy and wonderful nice family. Especially his niece Sweet Cheryl Lynn who I had met during a spring vacation. Became a big fan of album Save Tonight for Me and I have great memories of those college days when listening.
Sincere condolences and may happy memories provide solace.
Peace and comfort to you Cheryl and thank you for kindness and the Mangione introduction. (Drop me a note in time)…
Tim Mann
You have always been a flickering candle that shows the light in a world filled with trial and tribulation. Your music lightens listeners days of struggle and heartbreak to lift them up to the joyful and loving things about life. My mother loved you smooth jazz as do I. Thank you for the music and happiness in conveys and will fill the world long after the passing of your life. I am sure there will be flugelhorn music cheering up all in heaven. Thank you for your gift to mankind and may you rest in peace for eternity in God’s kingdom.
My late Wife, Jackie and I have been Chuck’s Web Mistress and Web Master for 30 years.
We were Very Proud to work for Chuck. We answered all the emails Chuck received, and they were
always Wonderful Testaments and thank you messages to Chuck. They are many coming in right now.
We came to know each other again when I taught at School Without Walls in Rochester. He extended himself to my students and gave them wonderful experiences that they and I will never forget. His kindness and generosity spoke to a sensitive soul who was not afraid to reach out to others, especially young people. Well done Chuck- now Rest in the arms of Jesus.
As a young trumpet player in the late sixties and early seventies I loved the music of Chuck Mangione. I went to several concerts and I remember Chuck’s dad hawking tee shirts and albums at the Eastman Theater. My wife’s uncle also played drums with Chuck and Gap back in the 50’s when they performed in clubs around Rochester. His music is legendary and still brings a peaceful feeling to my soul. Rest in Peace! My sympathy to the family and I pray your find memories will ease your grief.
This one hits hard!
I grew up listening to Chucks music and met him with my friends and brothers in our school years when he came to town to play. He was a super generous and great guy and was an inspiration to us as young guys in music. At the concert, he signed my Tarantella album and let my brother play his flugel horn.
My condolences to his family and friends.
This news is so heart breaking. As Chuck mentioned Dizzy was his Jazz Father, I feel Chuck was mine. Learning to play trumpet at an early age and then being introduced to Chuck’s music made me want to learn and play Flugelhorn which I did. I had to pleasure of meeting Chuck on two occasions and both were inspirational. So many highlights over the years when I would talk to him…
My prayers are with the family, friends and fellow Flugelhornist…
To be absent from the body is to be present with the lord,
Rest Well Chuck much deserved….
Minister Marcus Rockwell
Play your flugelhorn for God, Chuck.
God Bless the family. 🙏🏻✝️
I’m so sorry to hear of the passing of Chuck Mangione, but so thankful for his music and inspiration in my playing the trumpet. My sincere condolences to his family and friends. May God bless Charles Frank Mangione, forgive him sins, and welcome him into the kingdom of Heaven.
With that, Children of Sanchez was the very first album, to which I would intentionally sit down and just listen — again and again…and tens of thousands of times, since. Amazing the impact a person can have on someone they’ve never even met — and his was a big one, on me. Through his music, I learned to feel ‘the pocket’, how to sense tension & release, and how music and lyrics can convey feelings of warmth, joy, and agony—the soul, really.
Moreover, Chuck seemed to be ever-present in the soundtrack of my life and I have so many memories and feelings that are intertwined with songs, riffs, and album covers. And that intertwining includes some of the dearest ones, in my life: my grandfather, my dad, my kids, my bride…
B’bye, Chuck. Thanks, for everything. Sadly, we never met—I would’ve liked to…I would’ve liked to tell you that, in the forest of my life, you were a sequoia.
I was among Chuck’s earliest devoted fans who traveled from very rural Wayne County to many of his appearances at Nazareth, Eastman, Midtown, and out of the area. I witnessed some of his greatest onstage moments and recordings with Jerry Niewood which will forever permeate my soul. God bless Chuck. He has and will forever be Rochester’s Ambassador for everything musically great.
One of my favorite musicians that opened my interest for jazz when I was 25. Rest in peace Chuck, hopefully I will get to jam with you in heaven where there is no time limitations. I have told my family that when I die I would like LAST DANCE from Chuck. Such a beautiful peaceful tune!
To the king of flugelhorn rest in peace. Sympathies go out to the family.
So sad to hear he is gone, such a talented musician and humble man. I met him at the Rochester Music Awards in 2014, when he was being honored. I was there to introduce another honoree, Doriot Anthony Dwyer, principal flute of the BSO for many hears. A friend introduced us at a party the night before and told him I was a trumpet player who’d studied with 2 of the Boston Symphony trumpet players and taught at Berklee College of Music. Oh great, he said, a classical trumpet player. I laughed and said, Well, I’ve been a fan of yours forever and I have all your albums! We talked about the different gigs we’d played. Such a wonderful person. Bellavia. My deepest condolences to his family and friends.
Chuck provided me with hours of enjoyment though his music. Both listening and playing. My wife knew what kind of day I had by which song of Chuck’s was playing when she got home. I will be eternally grateful for his gift. Bellavia or Beautiful Way, I pray that he is on it now.
Dear Mangione Family,
Thank you for sharing your father, grandfather, uncle, loved one with the rest of the world. His music has been a joy and comfort to listen to for more than 40 years for me. “Chase the Clouds Away,” “Bellavia,” “Feels So Good,” and “Hill Where the Lord Hides” and many others have brought me joy. May you be blessed with wonderful memories of a fabulous musician.
I remember Papa Mangione, he was head of security. lol. I remember when Chuck came to Toronto, Canada, It was at the Ontario Place Forum. This was during the world cup of soccer in 1980. I had an Italian flag. Papa Mangione was so proud of it, I ended up giving him the flag. He was so grateful. He took this huge flag back stage to Chuck.
Nancy and Diana
In 1996 or 1997, your father played a concert in Fort Wayne, Indiana. The afternoon before his performance, he met with a small jazz combo of 4 very talented middle school students. He listened to them jam and even played along with them… giving pointers and encouragement. The students never forgot his kindness and the time he took to support their interest in jazz. Their parents… who had been teens when Feels So Good hit the charts… were starstruck. But our children experienced an amazingly talented musician, living the dream of being a successful jazz composer, performer and teacher, taking an hour of his life to improve their skills and to encourage them that with hard work and dedication, they could follow that same path. Thank you for sharing him with us… and everyone who loved his music.
I was introduced to Chuck’s music via my late father, Bob. “Feels So Good” was one of his absolute favorite albums, and it became one of mine. I’ve enjoyed it hundreds of times over the years. But his discography is far richer, deeper, and more diverse than just that massive hit (and more people should check that out). I am a music journalist who has interviewed hundreds of performers over the past 35 years. But I’ll always remember that Chuck was my first big name when I spoke to him for the student newspaper while a sophomore at the University of Texas in the late ’80s. My deepest condolences to his family and friends.
Was privileged to meet Chuck and the rest of the band (Chris, James, Grant and Charles) when they were playing a concert in New York. What set Chuck apart from other musicians that performed at this venue, is that he always came out after the concert to meet fans and sign autographs. I remember him just sitting on the edge of the stage chatting for what seemed like hours and soaking up all of the joy that he brought to everyone there.
He was truly a decent person and the world has lost the goodness that he brought, both in his music, and as a human being.
I’m so sorry for the loss to the Mangione family, but I hope the joy he brought to me and many others is some sort of solace during this difficult time. Thank you for sharing him with us.
My heart goes out to all of the Mangione family. I was and still am a huge fan along with my family. My fondest memories are of listening to Land of Make Believe and Bellavia on Sunday mornings while making Sunday “gravy”. I met Chuck Mngione at Meadowlands racetrack after one of his concerts and brought my Sunday “gravy T- shhirt with me to get his autograph. He signed it and we had a wonderful conversation. He will always be in my heart and I will be listening to my favorite Mangione tunes always. My thoughts and prayers to the family.