John “Jabo” Starks—the legendary James Brown drummer—passed away in 2018. The latest widely reported information notes he died on May 1, 2018, in Mobile, Alabama, at age 79 from leukemia and myelodysplastic syndromes. If you’re looking for more recent discussions or tributes, I can pull up current articles or social posts; just tell me what kind of sources you prefer (news outlets, obituaries, or music magazines).
Key details:
- Full name: John Henry Starks, often billed as John “Jabo” Starks.
- Notable work: Part of James Brown’s core rhythm section with Clyde Stubblefield; later collaborated with BB King and other artists.
- Death: May 1, 2018, Mobile, Alabama; cause listed as leukemia and myelodysplastic syndromes. If you’d like, I can compile a concise timeline of his career highlights or a short annotated discography.
Sources
John 'Jabo' Starks, the drummer - who along with Clyde Stubblefield - provided the backbeat on many of James Brown's classic hits has died aged 79.
www.udiscovermusic.comStarks' manager Kathie Williams confirmed his death. She said he'd been in hospice for about a week and was battling leukemia and myelodysplastic syndromes. Starks played with Brown during the Sixties and Seventies, most notably as part of a percussion duo with Clyde Stubblefield, who died last year. Though Starks and Stubblefield had distinct playing styles, together they created a powerhouse rhythm section that defined funk, and later hip-hop. The duo are among the most sampled drummers of...
www.notsomoderndrummer.comKnown for: Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels, Jerry Maguire, Bumblebee
www.imdb.com“He had that ‘stop-your-heart’ groove.” That’s how Fred Wesley, former bandleader for the “Godfather of Soul,” James Brown, describes the drumming of John Starks, who died this past May 1 at the age of seventy-nine. And the description is apt.
www.moderndrummer.comFans of James Brown are no doubt familiar with the sounds of Clyde “Funky Drummer” Stubblefield within the framework of the band. Helping to propel the Godfather of Soul’s funk groove to its oft-studied heights was fellow drummer John “Jabo” Starks, who passed away in 2018. John Henry Starks was born October 26, 1938 in […]
sybilwilkes.comPhoto by Phillip Faraone/Getty Images for Guitar Center - Jabo StarksJabo Starks speaks onstage during Guitar Center’s 28th Annual Drum-Off Finals Event at
news.pollstar.comView John Henry Jab'o Starks's obituary, send flowers and sign the guestbook.
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