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Jimmy Castor, Funk Saxophonist Sampled by Numerous Rappers, Dead at 64

Gilles Petard, Redferns

Jimmy Castor, an acclaimed disco-funk saxophonist whose classic horn lines have been sampled by such hip-hop artists as Kanye West, N.W.A. and Eric B. and Rakim, died Monday, Jan. 16 in Las Vegas of unknown causes, Prefix reports. He was 64.

Born in New York City in 1947, Castor is best known for leading the disco-era group the Jimmy Castor Bunch, whose 'Troglodyte (Cave Man)' was a No. 4 R&B hit in 1972. Prior to forming that outfit, he played with numerous bands, and in the late '50s, he found his initial success as a singer, taking over for Frankie Lymon in the doo-wop group the Teenagers.

While 'Troglodyte' was his highest-charting single, another 1972 tune, 'It's Just Begun,' has perhaps proved his most enduring. The tune has been sampled by dozens of hip-hop artists, and it appears in the memorable breakdancing scene from the 1983 film 'Flashdance.'

Known as "The Everything Man," Castor was more than just a singer and horn player. As his website points out, he was also a respected producer, songwriter and arranger, and he penned his first million-selling single, 'I Promise to Remember,' before leaving high school.

Watch the Jimmy Castor Bunch Perform 'It's Just Begun'

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41 Comments

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Anne Msdva

R.I.P. thee legend Jimmy Castor....My favorite Just Begun! Master Mind Rockers song thats what comes to my mind when I hear Just Begun!....

January 22 2012 at 2:02 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Toni McKay

Rest in peace, Jimmy Castor. Lots of good music.....we had many parties with your music in the background. Gone but not forgotten.....your music will live on.

January 19 2012 at 9:59 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
jottyjohnson

rappers are not musicians

January 18 2012 at 5:08 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
cherylgafner

:-(

January 18 2012 at 3:37 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Cherry

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January 17 2012 at 9:19 PM Report abuse -1 rate up rate down Reply
cedrt178

the voice behind " what we gonna do right here is go back..waay back , back into time" also the bubble bunch was another hip hop classic.

January 17 2012 at 7:59 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Kevin

I grew up during the 70's and I want to thank Jimmy and other artist during that time whom gave us real music , sung and performed by the artist themselves,. Music that was fun, music that mean't something positive and music that touched your soul. Excuse me while I take a moment to wipe a tear and send out peaceful thoughts and prayers to Jimmy's immediate family and music family. Peace & Blessings. Beamon

January 17 2012 at 7:53 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
ms4bitenfruit

R.I.P. Jimmy Castor....your style of music made a mark in this world....job well done!

January 17 2012 at 7:49 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Uncle Dave

Hey Leroy !

January 17 2012 at 7:42 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
conradkmpxstereo

Space Age was my favorite Jimmy Castor tune pure Psychedelic Funk!

January 17 2012 at 7:33 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply