James Mtume, R&B Legend, Played with Miles Davis, Wrote Hits for Roberta Flack & Donny Hathaway, Stephanie Mills

So many people died today, and I had to write a lot of obits. Not fun.

But I couldn’t let James Mtume’s death today at 76 go unremarked upon. He played with Miles Davis during the early 70s He had his own hits like “Juicy Fruit.”  He wrote “The Closer I Get to You” for Roberta Flack and Donny Hathaway, and the amazing “Never Knew Love This Before” for Stephanie Mills with Reggie Lucas. (Lucas repurposed it a couple of years for “Borderline” by Madonna. Mtume’s song was first.)

Mtume was an R&B superstar, and he will be sorely missed. Condolences to his family and friends and fans, who are many.

Read more at https://www.bet.com/article/zr8rg8/james-mtume-dead-at-age-75

I am saddened to hear of the passing of my dear friend and producer #JamesMtume. He was so brilliant and an amazing music mind. The work chemistry we had was second to none. I will continue to lift you up through our music. 🙏🏾🙏🏾💜💜 https://t.co/4b0b7VgZV6

— Stephanie Mills (@PrettyMill1) January 9, 2022