08/23/17 Ndugu Chanceler - Drummer, Educator

Ndugu Chancler is a drummer, percussionist, producer, composer, clinician, and educator. As a studio musician, Ndugu has recorded with such greats as Frank Sinatra, Herbie Hancock, Weather Report, John Lee Hooker, Kenny Rogers, and Michael Jackson. Working on Thriller and Bad, Ndugu was the drummer on the hit single Billie Jean. Ndugu has also played on a number of Movie Soundtracks such as, An Officer and a Gentleman, Indecent Proposal, and The Color Purple.

As a songwriter, Ndugu co-wrote hits for Santana, including "Dance Sister Dance", "Reach For It" for George Duke, and "Let It Whip" for the Dazz Band. His production credits include Flora Purim, Bill Summers, Toki, along with his own solo recordings; Ndugu and the Chocolate Jam Co., and Ndugu Chancler.

Ndugu has co-produced recordings for Santana, George Duke, The Crusaders, Joe Sample, Wilton Felder, Tina Turner, and a group he co-leads with Patrice Rushen, and Ernie Watts, The Meeting. These associations have brought many Gold and Platinum albums and Grammy Awards. Ndugu Chancler is on the Faculty at The University Of Southern California, in the Jazz Studies and Popular Music Departments.