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Ralph MacDonald Dead: Percussionist Who Wrote 'Just the Two of Us' Dies at 67
- Posted on Dec 21st 2011 5:20PM by Cameron Matthews
Echoes/Redferns
MacDonald worked with many top-charting artists, performing Afro-Caribbean percussion on David Bowie's 'Young Americans' and Jimmy Buffett's 'Margaritaville.'
Raised in New York City by his Trinidadian father, MacDonald learned to play steel drums, which eventually got him a spot in singer Harry Belafonte's band. The percussionist would go on to work with some of the industry's most influential songwriters and performers, from Stevie Wonder and Paul Simon to Aretha Franklin and Amy Winehouse.
Among his many impressive credits, MacDonald notably wrote Bill Withers' hit 'Just the Two of Us' and Roberta Flack's 'Where Is the Love' alongside William Salter and William Eaton. He also earned two Grammys for contributing the song 'Calypso Breakdown' to the 'Saturday Night Fever' soundtrack.
MacDonald passed away on Sunday, Dec. 18 in Stamford, Conn. He is survived by his wife, Grace, four children, a sister and three grandchildren.
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Around The Web:
Composer Ralph MacDonald dead at 67 - UPI.com
Ralph MacDonald, Dead at 67 | Essence.com
RIP: Grammy Award winning Trinbagonian Ralph MacDonald dead ...
Session and sideman percussionist Ralph MacDonald dead at 67
RIP: Grammy Award winning Trinbagonian Ralph MacDonald dead ...
Grammy Award-Winning Artist Ralph MacDonald Dies
Ralph MacDonald dies at 67; Grammy-winning artist wrote 'Where Is ...
Ralph MacDonald, Grammy-winner, wrote 'Just the Two of Us', dies 67
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John
He was an amazing talent. RIP Ralph. Say hello to all the other gifted musicians who passed away this year. You're up in Rock N Roll Heaven with all the best !
December 26 2011 at 11:31 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplySo sad. I grew up with all of these songs as a teenager and young adult. All beautiful, classy tunes. God Bless you, Mr. MacDonald. RIP
December 22 2011 at 2:00 PM Report abuse Permalink +1 rate up rate down ReplyRest In Peace.
December 22 2011 at 1:02 PM Report abuse Permalink +3 rate up rate down ReplyRIP talented sir, "Just the two of us" is still one of my favorite tunes.....takes me back to days gone by, may you join the gracious band of angels waiting for you...& your contributions to music shall never die. Deepest sympathies to all of Mr. MacDonald's family and friends.
December 22 2011 at 12:51 PM Report abuse Permalink +3 rate up rate down ReplyVery sad. I saw him with Steve Gadd doing a drum set/percussion duet during Zildjian day in Boston, 1983. There were 8 of the best drummers on the planet there: Louis Bellson, Peter Erskine, Steve Smith, Vinnie Collaiuta, Larry Londin, Steve Gadd and Ralph. His set was great- he was really funny, down to earth and they had a fantastic, tasteful sound. Just know that he CONTRIBUTED to society and will be remembered for quite some time, as opposed to some of the ignorant and hateful posters on this board. Rest in Peace, Ralph.
December 22 2011 at 12:20 PM Report abuse Permalink +2 rate up rate down Replydid some tasteful work with george benson as well............Weekend in L.A. especially.........................
December 22 2011 at 11:35 AM Report abuse Permalink +1 rate up rate down ReplyGod bless his soul. He is now at peace ...
December 22 2011 at 11:30 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplyWHO ??? NEVER HEARD OF HIM.
December 22 2011 at 11:27 AM Report abuse Permalink +1 rate up rate down ReplyWill Smith re-vamped the song in the 90's and dedicated it to his kid
December 22 2011 at 12:07 PM Report abuse Permalink +4 rate up rate down ReplyRip Mr MacDonald you were a huge part of Hip Hop culture and i was listening to calypso breakdown the other day god bless your life.
December 22 2011 at 11:21 AM Report abuse Permalink +1 rate up rate down ReplyAs will you, as will I.
RIP Mr. MacDonald.
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