James Mtume died on October 23, 2013. He was both a jazz musician from America and a prominent political activist. James Forman was his real name. However, he was sometimes known by the alias Mtume. Known for his jazz and R&B music, he was a Grammy winning percussionist.
James Mtume, a Jazz and R&B were pioneers
James Mtume is an American jazz pioneer. In 1946, he was born in Philadelphia. Bertha Forman, his mother, was Bertha Heath. Jimmy Heath was the father. His 1966 athletic scholarship was granted to him by Pasadena City College. After graduating, he moved to New York to pursue a career in the music industry.
As a teenager, Mtume became a prolific swimmer. When he was 21, he landed his first legitimate gig. When he reached 25, he began playing in Greenwich Village nightclubs.
Mtume, a musician, and songwriter had a long and successful career. Roberta Flack, Mary J. Blige (and Donny Hathaway) were some of his hits. He is most known for his R&B hit, “Juicy Fruit”. Other singers also had songs he produced.
Mtume worked alongside jazz and R&B icons, but he also traveled the world. He appeared on numerous notable albums, including Miles Davis’ On the Corner, Herbie Hancock’s Live at Carnegie Hall, and Dizzy Gillespie’s Live at the Village Vanguard.
James Mtume was Grammy-winning percussionist
James Mtume, 76, died on Sunday, November 2nd 2012. A percussionist, pianist, and record producer, Mtume became an influential figure in jazz and R&B in the 1970s and 1980s. Mtume also played in many well-known ensembles.
His albums include over 80. Mtume has also written for Roberta Flack. Mary J. Blige. Mtume’s “Juicy Fruit” was heard by the Notorious B.I.G. Their hit song “Juicy”
In the early 1970s, Mtume began his career as a percussionist with Freddie Hubbard. Mtume moved to New York City five years later. From there, he collaborated with R. Kelly, R. Kelly, and Reggie Lucas, among others.
Mtume, a late 70s-era musician, formed Mtume. The group’s music was described as “Sophistifunk,” a mixture of hip hop, jazz, and R&B. In Search of the Rainbow Seekers was released in 1980 and Kiss the World Goodbye, 1978.
The Quotable Karenga co-editor
James Mtume has been a leader in R&B, and he died today at the age of76. Aside from his musical accomplishments, he was also an activist. Many of his contemporaries as well as his family will remember him.
Born in Philadelphia on January 3, 1946, the singer and songwriter. His family was musical. He learned to play the piano when he was a child. Swimming was something he pursued as a teenager. During his college years, he received a scholarship to study at Pasadena City College.
Mtume was a jazz musician who worked alongside Miles Davis, McCoy Tyner and Dizzy Gillespie. Mtume also wrote songs for Roberta Flack and Stephanie Mills. His work as an artist and songwriter is not only what he is most known for, but also his accomplishments as a producer.
In the 1970s, he became a member of Miles Davis’s band. For five years, Mtume was on tour with the band. Mtume helped to change the music on several of Davis’ later albums. Mtume was his first group.
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James Mtume Political activists
James Mtume, a jazz drummer, radio personality and writer, was an activist in politics. For his significant contributions to the industry, Mtume has been well-known. Mtume’s social consciousness was also reflected in his writing, speaking, and participation in Black Power.
As a jazz musician, he played with many major artists. Miles Davis was one of his musical inspirations. Sonny Rollins and Herbie Hanscock were another. Some of his most popular albums include “The Theater of the Mind”, “Kiss This World Goodbye” and “Juicy Fruit”.
Following his career in music, he was involved in the Black Power Movement. His work also included public housing and the justice system. He was the recipient of the Amateur Athletic Union’s first backstroke title.
He was a political activist and one of the co-conveners at the Third National Black Political Convention. He was the editor of The Quotable Karenga.
Mtume hosted the popular talk-show “Open Line”, before she retired from the music industry. It was aired by New York station WRKS. The show was about politics and culture. Bob Pickett, Bob Slade (among others) joined him.
