James Brown's "Funky Drummer" dies aged 73

The original ‘Funky Drummer’ from James Brown’s band, Clyde Stubblefield has died at the age of 73. He provides the beats on some of Brown's biggest hits including 'Sex Machine', 'Give it Up or Turn it Loose', 'Say It Loud I'm Black and I'm Proud' and 'Cold Sweat'.

Stubblefield had been suffering with kidney problems for many years. In 2000, Prince got wind that the drummer was in debt from a fight against bladder cancer and personally paid $90,000 to cover his bills.

His beats are as famous in hip hop as they are in funk music, particularly the break in 'Funky Drummer' which has been sampled by Public Enemy, NWA, Dr. Dre, LL Cool J, Run DMC and over 1000 more acts (according to the website whosampled.com). Unfortunately, Stubblefield did not receive a writing credit for the track.

Here he is in action: