James Mtume

About

American jazz and R&B musician, songwriter, and record producer who gained fame for his work with Miles Davis and the R&B group Mtume. He passed away on January 9, 2022 at the age of 76.

Before Fame

He learned to play piano and percussion as a child. He made his professional musical debut on the 1970 album Kawaida.

Trivia

His surname, Mtume, means "messenger" in Swahili.

Family Life

His father, Jimmy Heath, was a famous jazz saxophonist.

Associated With

He has written hit songs for artists like Roberta Flack, R. Kelly and Mary J. Blige.