Famed trombonist Clifford Adams, known for his work with a bevy of soul and jazz acts ranging from George Benson to Kool & the Gang to the Stylistics, has died after a long struggle with liver cancer at age 62.
A Trenton, New Jersey native, Adams began playing jazz as a pre-teen. He developed his talents at Trenton State College and was soon playing in local clubs with many of the great jazz artists as they visited the area. Adams then took his skills to NYC, where he became one of the go-to local musicians.
The 1970s brought more opportunities in the soul music realm, and Adams joined the backing band for The Stylistics at their commercial peak. He followed with perhaps his most notable position, as part of Kool & the Gang, with whom he performed for years and played for on several recordings, including the well known trombone solo on "Joanna."
Famed trombonist Clifford Adams, known for his work with a bevy of soul and jazz acts ranging from George Benson to Kool & the Gang to the Stylistics, has died after a long struggle with liver cancer at age 62.
A Trenton, New Jersey native, Adams began playing jazz as a pre-teen. He developed his talents at Trenton State College and was soon playing in local clubs with many of the great jazz artists as they visited the area. Adams then took his skills to NYC, where he became one of the go-to local musicians.
The 1970s brought more opportunities in the soul music realm, and Adams joined the backing band for The Stylistics at their commercial peak. He followed with perhaps his most notable position, as part of Kool & the Gang, with whom he performed for years and played for on several recordings, including the well known trombone solo on "Joanna."
Adams continued to support other acts on the soul and jazz side, and also recorded some very well received solo jazz work. He also helped form a non-profit organization to bring music back to the Trenton schools.
Clifford Adams was an immensely talented musician whose work will continue to bring joy to music fans for years to come.