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Clyde Stubblefield, the renowned member of James Brown‘s band known to many as simply “The Funky Drummer” passed away on Saturday (Feb. 18). He was 73.

Reports the Associated Press:

His wife, Jody Hannon, told The Associated Press that Stubblefield died of kidney failure at a Madison, Wisconsin, hospital around noon. He had been suffering from kidney disease for 10 years, and had been hospitalized for a few days, she said.

Stubblefield performed on several of Brown’s classics in the 1960s and early 70s, including “Cold Sweat,” ”Say It Loud – I’m Black and I’m Proud,” ”I’ve Got the Feelin’,” and the album “Sex Machine.”

But he was best known for a short solo on Brown’s 1970 single, “Funky Drummer.” Rolling Stone magazine said it was sampled on over 1,000 songs and served as the backbeat for countless hip-hop tracks, including Public Enemy’s “Fight the Power,” Dr. Dre’s “Let Me Ride,” LL Cool J’s “Mama Said Knock You Out” and Run-D.M.C.’s “Run’s House.” It even turned up on Ed Sheeran’s “Shirtsleeves” and George Michael’s “Freedom ’90,” the magazine said.

Along with fellow drummer John “Jabo” Starks, the duo formed the backbone of Brown’s biggest and funkiest hits, thus some of Hip-Hop’s as well. Despite Stubblefield’s enormous influence, word is he had no formal training.

Listen to just a couple of essential joints below.

Rest In Powerful Peace Clyde Stubblefield.

Sound familiar?

How about now?