James Edward Gadson, an American drummer, session musician, singer and songwriter, died on April 2, 2026, at the age of 86.
Born in Kansas City, Missouri, he began his career in the late 1960s and became one of the most-recorded drummers in the history of R&B. He played with the first lineup of Charles Wright’s Watts 103rd Street Rhythm Band and recorded three albums with the group between 1968 and 1970.
Gadson also worked with artists including Dyke & the Blazers, Freddie King, Martha Reeves, Randy Crawford, Quincy Jones, Herbie Hancock, B.B. King, Albert King and Rose Royce.
James Edward Gadson (June 17, 1939 – April 2026) was an American drummer and session musician. Beginning his career in the late 1960s, Gadson became one of the most-recorded drummers in the history of R&B. He was also a singer and songwriter.