George Brown, drummer and co-founder of Kool & The Gang, dies aged 74

George Brown, left, with Ronald Bell, Dennis Thomas and Robert ‘Kool’ Bell, of Kool & The Gang (Omar Vega/Invision/AP)

George “Funky” Brown, the co-founder and long-time drummer of Kool & The Gang, who helped write such hits as Too Hot, Ladies Night, Joanna, and the party favourite Celebration, has died aged 74.

Brown died on Thursday in Los Angeles after suffering from cancer, according to a statement released by Universal Music.