Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it’s investigating the financials of Elon Musk’s pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, ‘The A Word’, which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.Read more

Chuck Mangione, the jazz flugelhornist and trumpeter best known for his 1977 hit “Feels So Good,” died Tuesday.

The 84-year-old passed away peacefully in his sleep at his Rochester, New York, according to the Bartolomeo & Perotto Funeral Home, WROC reports.

Born in Rochester on November 29, 1940, Mangione began his musical journey alongside his brother, Gap, through their group The Jazz Brothers. He graduated from Benjamin Franklin High School and earned a bachelor’s degree from the prestigious Eastman School of Music in 1963, later returning to teach jazz and even receiving an honorary doctorate.

Over six decades, he released more than 30 albums, earning 14 Grammy nominations and winning two: Best Instrumental Composition for “Bellavia” and Best Pop Instrumental Performance for “Children of Sanchez.”

Mangione’s biggest hit, “Feels So Good,” topped the Billboard Adult Contemporary chart in May 1978 and climbed to No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 that June. The track also found its way into pop culture, from a memorable Memorex commercial with Ella Fitzgerald to recurring appearances in shows like King of the Hill.

Chuck Mangione, 84, died Tuesday. Over six decades, he released more than 30 albums

open image in gallery

Chuck Mangione, 84, died Tuesday. Over six decades, he released more than 30 albums (Getty Images)New York Yankees Pitcher Dock Ellis, right, has a little fun with a Chuck Mangione's horn before a game with the Toronto Blue Jays at Yankee Stadium on April 19, 1977, in New York.

open image in gallery

New York Yankees Pitcher Dock Ellis, right, has a little fun with a Chuck Mangione’s horn before a game with the Toronto Blue Jays at Yankee Stadium on April 19, 1977, in New York. (AP)

Mangione voiced a fictionalized version of himself on King of the Hill as a Mega Lo Mart spokesperson secretly living in the store under a never-ending endorsement contract. His character appeared in over a dozen episodes from Seasons 2 through 13, making him one of the show’s most memorable recurring guest stars.

Mangione also composed music for two Winter Olympics. His song “Chase the Clouds Away” featured in the 1976 Games, and he performed “Give It All You Got” at the 1980 Lake Placid closing ceremony.

In 2012, Mangione was inducted into the Rochester Music Hall of Fame.