The city of Rochester, the global jazz community, and fans around the world are mourning the loss of one of its most beloved and accomplished musicians. Chuck Mangione, the celebrated flugelhornist, trumpeter, composer, and bandleader, died peacefully in his sleep at his home in Rochester, New York, on July 22, 2025. He was 84 years old.
In a heartfelt statement released by his family on July 24, they wrote, “The family of Chuck Mangione is deeply saddened to share that Chuck peacefully passed away in his sleep at his home in Rochester, New York on July 22, 2025.” The announcement sparked an immediate outpouring of tributes and remembrance from fellow musicians, fans, and institutions that had long admired his extraordinary talent and contributions to jazz and popular music.
A Rochester Prodigy
Born on November 29, 1940, in Rochester, New York, Charles Frank “Chuck” Mangione was a homegrown talent whose musical journey began at the tender age of 8. Encouraged by a family deeply appreciative of music, Chuck took early lessons that set the foundation for what would become an extraordinary and influential career.
While attending Franklin High School, Mangione played in a jazz combo with his brother Gap Mangione, a gifted pianist in his own right. The duo’s synergy and passion for improvisation and melody were evident even in those early years and would shape both of their musical identities.
After graduating from Franklin in 1958, Mangione enrolled at the prestigious Eastman School of Music, where he studied under some of the finest instructors in the country. He graduated in 1963 with a bachelor’s degree in music education and returned to Eastman later as a faculty member and director of the Eastman Jazz Ensemble. His connection to Eastman and Rochester remained strong throughout his life.
A Career That Defined a Generation
Chuck Mangione’s rise to international fame was marked by a unique blend of accessibility and sophistication. Known for his lyrical and emotionally resonant compositions, Mangione helped bring jazz to a broader audience with his distinct use of the flugelhorn, an instrument he mastered with unmatched finesse.
During his solo career, Mangione sold millions of albums and captivated audiences with performances that blended technical brilliance with soulful expression. He earned widespread acclaim, winning two Grammy Awards and earning multiple nominations throughout his career.
His breakthrough moment came in 1977 with the release of the album Feels So Good. The title track became a cross-genre sensation, peaking at No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and becoming one of the most recognizable jazz-influenced instrumental tracks in American pop music history. The tune’s joyful melody and soaring horn lines made it a staple on radio, television, and even in film, solidifying Mangione’s place in American music history.
In addition to his chart-topping successes, Mangione composed for film and television, performed with symphony orchestras, and appeared on stages around the globe. His concerts were often sold-out affairs, featuring his core group of talented musicians and showcasing his love for melody, harmony, and the emotional power of music.
A Lasting Legacy
Beyond his commercial success, Chuck Mangione leaves behind a rich and enduring legacy. He was more than a musician—he was a cultural ambassador for Rochester, for jazz, and for American music. He mentored countless young artists, gave generously to causes he believed in, and remained active in the local and national music scenes well into his later years.
To his family, friends, and many fans, he was a warm, humorous, and deeply caring individual. His music touched lives across generations and continents, bringing people joy, reflection, and solace.
As news of his passing spreads, plans for a memorial tribute and celebration of his life are expected in the coming weeks, likely to be held in Rochester, the city that shaped and embraced him throughout his journey.
In Memoriam
Chuck Mangione’s music continues to resonate in jazz clubs, concert halls, classrooms, and homes around the world. His legacy lives on in the notes he played, the students he taught, and the inspiration he gave to fellow musicians.
May he rest in peace, and may the world never forget the warmth, passion, and “feels so good” spirit that defined the life and music of Chuck Mangione.
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