(June 23, 2024) Earlier this year, fans of Kool & the Gang mourned the loss of co-founder/drummer/songwriter George Brown, who departed at age 74 after a long battle with cancer.
Brown was the next to last surviving original member of the legendary Grammy winning band and now Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductees. The group’s co-founder/leader Robert Kool Bell is the last man standing.
Besides his funky and often-sampled drumming, George co-wrote the two back-to-back smashes, “Ladies Night” and “Too Hot,” that ushered in Kool & the Gang’s “second era” with lead singer James “J.T.” Taylor.
Before his passing, George produced Kool & the Gang’s recent album, People Wanna Have Fun, penned his autobiography and recorded the solo long player, Where I’m Coming From, which will be released this fall.
From the solo effort comes the single, “What If” – a slow-tempo, moody tone poem which finds Brown contemplating on life and what it could bring. Kicking off the tune with piano and drum intro, George invites the listener to hear his message. He asks the question of what would happen if one doesn’t receive recognition for their contributions. Would they still continue to help make the world a better place or point out the faults of others?
George is accompanied by acoustic guitar and chorus as he makes his case that we are one and no matter what happens, we all share a common home – the world.
A beautiful and poignant reading from the departed Mr. Brown. A brilliant last will and testament.
By Kevin Goins