Musician. He was a trombonist most noted for being in the horn section of the popular funk band, “Kool and the Gang”. In his preteen years, he showed a strong appreciation for classical Jazz when he was introduced to the trombone. In 1968, Adams got his professional start when he joined the horn section of a band called the “VSQs”. After spending some on the road, he played with Sonny Stitt, James Moody, George Benson, Shirley Scott, Gene Ammons, Don Patterson and Charles Earland. While playing at Harlem’s famed jazz spot “The Club Barron”, he received another break when he became a member of the horn section of “The Stylistics” world tour in 1973. From there he went on a two-year tour with the world renowned “Thad Jones and Mel Lewis Big Band” and “Duke Ellington’s Orchestra”, before joining “Kool and the Gang”. With “Kool and the Gang”, his trombone solos can be heard on the hits "Ladies Night", “Joanna”, "Celebration", "Get Down On It" and “Slam Dunk” from the multi-platinum selling album, “NBA at 50″ (1996). In 1997, Adams released his debut solo album a classical Jazz CD entitled “The Master Power”, followed by “The Master Power and I Feel Your Spirit”. As a charter member of “Kool and the Gang”, he has been honored with Grammies, American Music Awards, People’s Choice Awards, and Soul Train Awards. Plus, he received the Music for Black Origin Outstanding Achievement Award in 2003. In his later years, he continued to showcase his lead trombone solos on various classical smooth jazz roots albums. He died of cancer at age 62.
Musician. He was a trombonist most noted for being in the horn section of the popular funk band, “Kool and the Gang”. In his preteen years, he showed a strong appreciation for classical Jazz when he was introduced to the trombone. In 1968, Adams got his professional start when he joined the horn section of a band called the “VSQs”. After spending some on the road, he played with Sonny Stitt, James Moody, George Benson, Shirley Scott, Gene Ammons, Don Patterson and Charles Earland. While playing at Harlem’s famed jazz spot “The Club Barron”, he received another break when he became a member of the horn section of “The Stylistics” world tour in 1973. From there he went on a two-year tour with the world renowned “Thad Jones and Mel Lewis Big Band” and “Duke Ellington’s Orchestra”, before joining “Kool and the Gang”. With “Kool and the Gang”, his trombone solos can be heard on the hits "Ladies Night", “Joanna”, "Celebration", "Get Down On It" and “Slam Dunk” from the multi-platinum selling album, “NBA at 50″ (1996). In 1997, Adams released his debut solo album a classical Jazz CD entitled “The Master Power”, followed by “The Master Power and I Feel Your Spirit”. As a charter member of “Kool and the Gang”, he has been honored with Grammies, American Music Awards, People’s Choice Awards, and Soul Train Awards. Plus, he received the Music for Black Origin Outstanding Achievement Award in 2003. In his later years, he continued to showcase his lead trombone solos on various classical smooth jazz roots albums. He died of cancer at age 62.
Bio by: John "J-Cat" Griffith
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