Pop and Rock Star Deaths in 2017

Clyde Stubblefield’s funky drumming was instrumental to James Brown’s hypnotic R&B style.

Clyde Stubblefield

Bands: James Brown & the JBs

Position: drummer

Died: Feb. 17, 2017

Cause of death: kidney failure

Age: 73

Distinctions: Was a member of the JB's from 1965–1971 during Brown's greatest period. Renowned for the drum break in the 1969 instrumental,  " Funky Drummer," which has been sampled countless times.

Steve Bloom

Steve Bloom

Publisher of CelebStoner.com, former editor of High Times and Freedom Leaf and co-author of Pot Culture and Reefer Movie Madness.