James Mtume of Trailblazing R&B Group Mtume Has Died

News - 1 year ago

Jaelani Turner-Williams Jaelani Turner-Williams is a contributing news writer for Okayplayer with…

Photo Credit: David Corio for Hammersmith Odeon via Michael Ochs Archive/Getty Images

James Mtume, legendary jazz and soul composer and frontman of R&B group Mtume, died on Sunday at the age of 76.

James Mtume, longtime collaborator of Miles Davis and frontman of ’80s R&B outfit Mtume, has died. The news was confirmed by his son Faulu Mtume on Pitchfork. While cause of death has not been confirmed, the musician died nearly a week after his 76th birthday.

Born James Forman in 1946 in Philadelphia, the jazz prodigy was son of saxophonist Jimmy Heath who died in January 2020. From birth, Forman was surrounded by jazz influences who piqued his interest in the genre, from uncle Albert “Tootie” Heath to Herbie Hancock.

In 1966 Forman changed his name to James Mtume while attending Pasadena City College. The musician had joined Black nationalist group US Organization, choosing the name Mtume which means ‘messenger’ in Swahili. Both a pianist and percussionist since his teens, Mtume played percussion alongside Hancock, his father and Don Cherry on his uncle’s 1969 spiritual jazz album Kawaida.

Relocating to New York in 1970, Mtume went on to assemble his first group Mtume Umoja Ensemble who released their debut album Land of the Blacks in 1972. From 1971 to 1975, Mtume collaborated with Miles Davis, where he was an instrumental art of Davis’ 1972 album On the Corner. In years to come, Mtume also played for Lonnie Liston Smith, Sonny Rollins and Pharaoh Sanders.

Mtume formed his R&B, funk and soul group Mtume in 1978 with guitarist Reggie Lucas and vocalist Tawatha Agee. Releasing their debut album Kiss This World Goodbye in the same year as their formation, Mtume released sophomore album In Search of the Rainbow Seekers, landing on Juicy Fruit in 1983. The title song is long-remembered for being sampled on 1994 The Notorious B.I.G. hit “Juicy”.

Mtume ended their streak with 1984 album You, Me and He and 1986 finale Theater of the Mind. Mtume and Lucas later became a production and songwriting duo, writing for Stephanie Mills on 1980 track “Never Knew Love Like This Before” which won a Grammy for Best R&B Performance. Later becoming an on-air personality for KISS 98.7 FM, Mtume also wrote for Roberta Flack, Phyllis Hyman, Donny Hathaway and Mary J. Blige during his legendary career.

Check out tweets in memoriam of Mtume below.

Rest In Power to the great James Mtume. The South Philly native & prodigal son, Jazz ROYALTY (the son of the great Jimmy Heath) and music trailblazer & pioneer. His passing is truly a monumental loss. Let's look at some of Mtume's music and legacy through the years, as a THREAD: pic.twitter.com/CQyJZLzwMs

— COSMO BAKER (@CosmoBaker) January 9, 2022

🕊 #JamesMtume

He came to prominence as a Jazz
musician, working w/ Miles Davis
between 1971 and 1975. Mtume's
Funk group, also called Mtume, is
best known for the 1983 R&B hit song
"Juicy Fruit". Mtume the band also had
a top-five R&B hit w/ their single "You,
Me, and He". pic.twitter.com/OCIQCmwj2r

— DāM-FunK (@DaMFunK) January 9, 2022

Soulful pioneer, acclaimed percussionist; Miles Davis group alumnus (1971-1975); Grammy-winning producer, writer, and hit maker; bandleader of Mtume, mastermind behind 1983’s “Juicy Fruit,” genre bender, straight shooter, innovator. Now ancestor. May James Mtume rest peacefully. pic.twitter.com/fZYpQtuZj9

— DJ Soul Sister (@djsoulsister) January 9, 2022

aw man. James Mtume, the reason. “Piano is a percussive instrument.” The way he took on Stanley Crouch. Listen to him describe the creation of “Juicy Fruit”, unquantized Linn Drum during a coffee break. Truly a fruit of the lords labor 🙏🏾💕 pic.twitter.com/BMqBqh7Wcg

— STARCHILD (@thisisbryndon) January 9, 2022

James Mtume, was an American jazz and R&B musician, songwriter, record producer, activist, and radio personality. He came to prominence with "Juicy Fruit" & a top-5 R&B hit single "You, Me & He. Prayers going out to his Family & Friends.🙏 (He Transitioned today 1-9-22). R.I.P. pic.twitter.com/aw6SICXpmR

— Bootsy Collins (@Bootsy_Collins) January 10, 2022

I am saddened to hear of the passing of my dear friend and producer #JamesMtume. He was so brilliant and an amazing music mind. The work chemistry we had was second to none. I will continue to lift you up through our music. 🙏🏾🙏🏾💜💜 https://t.co/4b0b7VgZV6

— Stephanie Mills (@PrettyMill1) January 9, 2022

It’s really not doing justice listing accomplishments. Right now. Thank you James Mtume for all the wisdom & love & respect you’ve shown me & my brothers over the years. #JamesMtume https://t.co/aRpmWSFpiH

— Certified ?uestlover (@questlove) January 10, 2022

James Mtume, Rest In Peace. https://t.co/ulhmL02VKp

— Phonte (@phontigallo) January 9, 2022

So much loss. So much grief. Rest in power to Uncle Mtume. My late fathers partner in crime, the co-creator of the songs of my life (and about my birth!). He was essential part of the life of the man who made me, therefore me too. Gone now. He will be dearly, eternally missed. https://t.co/juDFpQBkMb

— Lisa Lucas (@likaluca) January 9, 2022