AboutDrumming.com
AboutDrumming.com
Welcome to the world of drums!
  • Home
  • About
  • Blog
  • Metronome
  • Contact
  • Home
  • About
  • Blog
  • Metronome
  • Contact

Leon "Ndugu" Chancler: Bio, Drum Gear, Albums & More

Source: The New York Times

Leon "Ndugu" Chancler was a highly respected and influential American pop, funk, and jazz drummer who has had an accomplished and triumphant career in the music industry.

On top of that, he was also a composer, producer and university professor.

Early Life

Chancler was the youngest born child in his family of 7 siblings on July 1, 1952 in Shreveport, Louisiana and picked up learning the drums when he was only thirteen years old.

A funny story happened when he was a child which he would always publicly reminisce and joke about - during his school years he was kicked out of his classroom for constantly tapping on his desk, only to be caught drumming on the poles in the hallway moments later.

Despite not having the financial means to afford formal drum lessons, he persevered and honed his skills through dedication and hard work. He learned from drummers around him such as Stix Hooper and Ed Thigpen. At the same time, he would always be asking other drummers to show him what they had learned from their teachers.

Drumming became Chancler’s all-consuming passion while he was studying at Gompers Junior High School, and he never looked back. He went on and became a drumming powerhouse at Locke High School, performing with Willie Bobo and the Harold Johnson Sextet.

Career

Chancler technically began his career as a professional drummer while he was going through his university life at the University of South California. This is where he began performing with the Gerald Wilson Big Band and Herbie Hancock and recording with some other artists that turned into the biggest names in industry, including Miles Davis, Freddie Hubbard, and Bobby Hutcherson.

He got the Swahili nickname Ngudu (“Earth Brother”) from James Mtume during the time he was performing as a percussionist on Hancock’s album Mwandishi in 1971.

Despite his achievements and jam-packed schedule, Chancler never neglected his studies and was able to graduate with a degree in music education.

After college, he joined a group invited by Miles Davis and his career only went upwards. From there he frequently recorded as a sideman in various genres including blues, jazz and pop music. Such artists that he worked with are George Benson, George Duke, Hubert Laws, Thelonious Monk, Lionel Richie, Patrice Rushen, Frank Sinatra, The Temptations, Stanley Clarke, Kenny Rogers, Santana and many more.

Accomplishments

An honorific legacy, he was the drummer for several of the most iconic songs of all time with Michael Jackson including “Billie Jean”, “Baby Be Mine” and “P.Y.T (Pretty Young Thing)”.

He also received a Grammy award nomination for his contributions to the highly funky song "Let It Whip," co-written with the Dazz Band, and also played on Tina Turner's hit album "Private Dancer.

Other Professions

Aside from his success as a musician he was also a respected educator as he became an adjunct Assistant Professor of Jazz Studies in 2008 at the University of Southern California.

He would also teach on the West Coast at the Stanford Jazz Workshop during every summer for three weeks.

On top of this Leon was also a member of the Percussive Arts Society.

Drum Gear

Throughout his career, Chancler has used a variety of drum equipment, including Ludwig, Gretsch and Yamaha drum kits, Paiste cymbals, ProMark Hickory Custom Made drumsticks and Remo CS Black Dot, Remo Ambassador, Remo Fiber Skyn and Remo Fiber Skyn 2 Heads.

He has also endorsed several drum products, including Remo and the Ndugu Chancler Signature Snare Drum from Yamaha.

Cymbals

Over the years, Chancler never really stuck to the same set of cymbals. He would always switch things up to achieve a variety of sounds. These would include:

1972 - Paiste Set 1

  • Formula 602 14" Heavy Hi-Hat
  • 2002 18" Crash
  • Formula 602 22" Medium
  • Formula 602 20" Flatride Medium
  • 2002 20" China Type

1975 - Paiste Set 2

  • 2002 14" Sound Edge Hi-Hat
  • Formula 602 18" Thin Crash
  • Formula 602 22" Medium Ride
  • 2002 20" China Type
  • Formula 602 14" Sound Edge Hi-Hat
  • 2002 20" Flatride
  • Formula 602 20" Flatride Medium
  • 2002 18" Crash
  • 22" Symphonic Gong
  • 28" Symphonic Gong
  • Finger Cymbals

1981 - Paiste Set 3

  • 2002 14" Sound Edge Hi-Hat
  • 2002 18" Crash
  • 2002 20" Medium
  • 2002 20" China Type
  • 2002 20" Flatride
  • Formula 602 20" Flatride Medium
  • Formula 602 22" Medium Ride
  • 22" Symphonic Gong
  • 28" Symphonic Gong
  • Cup Chimes
  • Paiste Tuned Discs two octaves

1988 - Paiste Set 4

  • 2002 14" Sound Edge Hi-Hat
  • 2002 18" Crash
  • 3000 Reflector 20" Ride
  • 3000 22" Novo China

1992 - Paiste Set 5

  • Signature 14" Heavy Hi-Hat top / Signature 14" Sound Edge Hi-Hat bottom
  • Signature 17" Fast Crash
  • Signature 20" Full Ride
  • Signature 22" Thin China

1998 - Paiste Set 6

  • Traditionals 14" Medium Light Hi-Hat
  • Traditionals 18" Thin Crash
  • Traditionals 20" Medium Light Ride
  • 2002 20" Novo China

2004 - Paiste Set 7

  • Traditionals 14" Medium Light Hi-Hat
  • Traditionals 18" Thin Crash
  • Dimensions 20" Power China
  • Traditionals 20" Medium Light Ride
  • New Signature 22" Dark Energy Ride Mark II

2008 - Paiste Set 8

  • Twenty 14" Hi-Hat
  • Twenty 18" Crash
  • Twenty 20" Ride
  • Signature 22" Thin China

2009 - Paiste Set 9

  • Twenty 14" Hi-Hat
  • Twenty 19" Crash
  • Twenty 22" Ride
  • 2002 22" China

2013 - Paiste Set 10 (Custom Collections)

  • Twenty Custom Collection 14" Full Hats
  • Twenty Custom Collection 16" Full Crash
  • Twenty Masters Collection 22" Crisp Ride
  • Twenty Custom Collection 18" Full Crash
  • Traditionals 20" Medium Light Swish

Death

An unfortunate ending to a wonderful life, Chancler passed away at the age of 65 on February 3, 2018 after a long battle with prostate cancer, which he has been fighting with since 2003.

In 2018, the Ernie Watts Quartet released a song called “Home Light” dedicated to Chancler.

Leon Chancler videos

Ndugu Chancler - playing a drum solo and a Michael Jackson Medley.
Ndugu Chancler Performance Spotlight by Vic Firth (part 1 of 2).
Ndugu Chancler Performance Spotlight by Vic Firth (part 2 of 2).
Groove night with Ndugu Chancler.

Discography

Albums

  • 1971: Head On With Bobby Hutcherson
  • 1971: Mwandishi With Herbie Hancock
  • 1972: Secrets With John Carter
  • 1973: Blues for Walls With Hampton Hawes
  • 1973: Excursions With Eddie Harris
  • 1973: Experience With Eddie Harris
  • 1973: Talk to My Lady With Gene Russell
  • 1973: The Elements With Joe Henderson
  • 1974: Borboletta With Santana
  • 1974: Bridge into the New Age With Azar Lawrence
  • 1974: Damisi With Harold Land
  • 1974: Faces in Reflection With George Duke
  • 1974: Feel With George Duke
  • 1974: Love, Love With Julian Priester Pepo Mtoto / Julian Priester
  • 1974: Prelusion With Patrice Rushen
  • 1974: Proceed with Caution! With Calvin Keys
  • 1974: The Skipper at Home With Henry Franklin
  • 1974: Treasure Chest With Herbie Hancock
  • 1975: Before the Dawn With Patrice Rushen
  • 1975: I Love the Blues, She Heard My Cry With George Duke
  • 1975: Seriously Deep With David Axelrod
  • 1975: Tale Spinnin’ With Weather Report
  • 1975: The Aura Will Prevail With George Duke
  • 1975: Upon the Wings of Music With Jean-Luc Ponty
  • 1976: Amigos With Santana
  • 1976: Chameleon With Labelle
  • 1976: Encounter With Flora Purim
  • 1976: Liberated Fantasies With George Duke
  • 1976: Living Inside Your Love With Earl Klugh
  • 1976: Moonshadows With Alphonso Johnson
  • 1976: Nine: A Mystical Musical Allegory With LaMont Johnson
  • 1977: Festival With Santana
  • 1977: From Me to You With George Duke
  • 1977: Just Family With Dee Dee Bridgewater
  • 1977: Moonflower With Santana
  • 1977: Reach for It With George Duke
  • 1977: Storm Warning With Johnny "Hammond" Smith
  • 1977: Sunlight With Herbie Hancock
  • 1977: Sweet Lucy With Raul de Souza
  • 1977: That’s What She Said With Flora Purim
  • 1977: Tone Tantrum With Gene Harris
  • 1978: California Jam 2
  • 1978: Don’t Ask My Neighbors With Raul de Souza
  • 1978: Don’t Let Go With George Duke
  • 1978: Love Satellite With Ronnie Foster
  • 1978: Money Talks With Bar-Kays
  • 1978: Straight to the Bank With Bill Summers
  • 1978: The X Factor With Michael White
  • 1978: Tropico With Gato Barbieri
  • 1978: Trouble With Whitesnake
  • 1979: Carry On With Flora Purim
  • 1979: Delight With Ronnie Foster
  • 1979: Identify Yourself With The O'Jays
  • 1979: Land of Passion With Hubert Laws
  • 1979: Minnie With Minnie Riperton
  • 1979: No One Home With Lalo Schifrin
  • 1979: Pizzazz With Patrice Rushen
  • 1979: The Best of Herbie Hancock [CBS] With Herbie Hancock
  • 1979: The Best of Herbie Hancock [Sony] With Herbie Hancock
  • 1979: The Spread of the Future
  • 1980: Do I Make You Feel Better?
  • 1980: Inherit the Wind With Wilton Felder
  • 1980: Mr. Hands: Herbie Hancock
  • 1980: Posh With Patrice Rushen
  • 1980: Routes With Ramsey Lewis
  • 1980: The Year 2000 With The O'Jays
  • 1981: Can’t We Fall in Love Again With Phyllis Hyman
  • 1981: Going for the Glow With Donna Washington
  • 1981: Mr. C With Norman Connors
  • 1981: Slingshot With Michael Henderson
  • 1981: Take Me to Your Heaven With Stevie Woods
  • 1981: Tender Togetherness With Stanley Turrentine
  • 1981: The Electric Collection With Ramsey Lewis
  • 1982: Aurex Jazz Festival '81: Live Special
  • 1982: Donna Summer With Donna Summer
  • 1982: Dream On With George Duke
  • 1982: Hollywood With Maynard Ferguson
  • 1982: Keep It Live With Dazz Band
  • 1982: Let Me Know You With Stanley Clarke
  • 1982: Looking Out With McCoy Tyner
  • 1982: New Directions With Tavares
  • 1982: On the One With Dazz Band
  • 1982: Reunion With The Temptations
  • 1982: Special K With Kevin Toney
  • 1982: The Woman in My Life With Stevie Woods
  • 1982: Thriller With Michael Jackson
  • 1982: We Go a Long Way Back With Bloodstone
  • 1982: You’re the Best With Keni Burke
  • 1983: Guardian of the Light With George Duke
  • 1983: Home Again With Stanley Turrentine
  • 1983: It’s Your Night With James Ingram
  • 1983: Johnny Gill [1983] With Johnny Gill
  • 1983: Joystick With Dazz Band
  • 1983: Juicy Fruit With Mtume
  • 1983: Make It Last With Hubert Laws
  • 1983: Rockit (S-T-R-E-T-C-H-E-D Version) With Herbie Hancock
  • 1983: Try It Out With Klique
  • 1983: Watching You With Platinum Hook
  • 1984: Ghetto Blaster With The Crusaders
  • 1984: L.A. Is My Lady With Frank Sinatra
  • 1984: No Question About It With Kent Jordan
  • 1984: Party With Bloodstone
  • 1984: Private Dancer With Tina Turner
  • 1984: Rendezvous With George Duke
  • 1984: Steppin’ Out With George Howard
  • 1985: Hot Spot With Dazz Band
  • 1985: New Earth Sonata With Hubert Laws
  • 1985: Oasis With Joe Sample
  • 1985: Street Called Desire With René & Angela
  • 1985: The Heart of the Matter With Kenny Rogers
  • 1986: Greatest Hits With Dazz Band
  • 1987: Bad With Michael Jackson
  • 1987: Start Over With Cheryl Lynn
  • 1988: Old Friends New Friends
  • 1988: Out of Control With Dynasty
  • 1988: Passion and Fire With Gato Barbieri
  • 1988: Viva Santana! [Columbia/Sony] With Santana
  • 1989: Echoes of Ellington, Vol. 2
  • 1989: Ivory Dreams With Bobby Lyle
  • 1989: The Healer With John Lee Hooker
  • 1989: True Spirit With Ronnie Laws
  • 1990: 3 With Stanley Clarke / George Duke
  • 1990: Blues For The Night Owl With Ramsey Lewis
  • 1990: More of the Night With The Whispers
  • 1990: The Journey With Bobby Lyle
  • 1990: The Meeting With Patrice Rushen
  • 1991: Best of Santana [2-CD] With Santana
  • 1991: Collection With Joe Sample
  • 1991: Cool Hand Loc With Tone-Loc
  • 1991: Forever Yours With 101 North
  • 1991: Live at Birdland West With Gerald Albright
  • 1991: Mega Hits Dance Classics, Vol. 8
  • 1991: Rooms in My Fatha's House With Vinx
  • 1991: Samba in Your Casa With Matt Bianco
  • 1991: Storyville With Robbie Robertson
  • 1991: The Greatest Hits: The Power of Great Music With James Ingram
  • 1992: Back to the Groove With Wayne Henderson & the Next Crusade
  • 1992: Collection With George Duke
  • 1992: Deep River With The Five Blind Boys of Alabama
  • 1992: Deep Soul With Ronnie Laws
  • 1992: Forever Friends With Jon Gibson
  • 1992: Love Songs With Jennifer Love Hewitt
  • 1992: With Secret Island With Bobby Lyle
  • 1992: Snapshot With George Duke
  • 1993: Hitsville USA, Vol. 2: The Motown Singles Collection 1972-1992
  • 1993: Love Remembers With George Benson
  • 1993: No Strings With Sheena Easton
  • 1993: Now & Then With Ernestine Anderson
  • 1993: The Best of Joe Cocker [Capitol] With Joe Cocker
  • 1994: A To a Higher Place With Tramaine Hawkins
  • 1994: Anything But Ordinary With Patrice Rushen
  • 1994: Funkology: The Definitive Dazz Band With Dazz Band
  • 1994: Happy Again With The Jazz Crusaders
  • 1994: Jointz From Back in da Day
  • 1994: Love, Nancy With Nancy Wilson
  • 1994: Mwandishi: The Complete Warner Bros. Recordings With Herbie Hancock
  • 1994: Old School, Vol. 2
  • 1994: Soul Train: Hall of Fame, 20th Anniversary
  • 1994: Swan Princess [Original Soundtrack]
  • 1994: The Collected Recordings: Sixties to Nineties With Tina Turner
  • 1994: The Milestone Years With Joe Henderson
  • 1994: Three Originals With George Duke
  • 1994: Works of Art, Vol. 3
  • 1995: Curb Servin’ With WC and the Maad Circle
  • 1995: Dance of the Rainbow Serpent With Santana
  • 1995: Disco Nights, Vol. 2: The Best of Disco Funk
  • 1995: Disco Nights, Vol. 9: Motown Dance
  • 1995: Do It Fluid
  • 1995: For the Love of Music With Lionel Hampton
  • 1995: From Hip to Hop, Vol. 2
  • 1995: Funkology, Vol. 1: Got to Give It Up
  • 1995: Giving Myself to You With Gerald Albright
  • 1995: HIStory: Past, Present and Future, Book I With Michael Jackson
  • 1995: Illusions With George Duke
  • 1995: In This Life With Kirk Whalum
  • 1995: Light Dance [Video] With Santana
  • 1995: Memories, Music, Magic of Motown: Tribute to Berry Gordy
  • 1995: Motown Legends: Let It Whip/Joystick With Dazz Band
  • 1995: Motown Year by Year: The Sound of Young America, 1982
  • 1995: Move to Groove: The Best of 1970s Jazz-Funk
  • 1995: Seeing for the Very First Time With Barbara Weathers
  • 1995: Songs from the Key of Life With Najee
  • 1995: The Big Country With David Axelrod
  • 1995: The Music, the Magic, the Memories of Motown: A Tribute to Berry Gordy
  • 1995: Touch Tone With Craig T. Cooper
  • 1996: BET 15th Anniversary Music Collection
  • 1996: Best of My Love: The Best of the Emotions With The Emotions
  • 1996: Blues, Dues & Love News With Ernestine Anderson
  • 1996: Crossroads, Vol. 2: Live in the Seventies With Eric Clapton
  • 1996: Greatest Hits With George Duke
  • 1996: Haven’t You Heard: The Best of Patrice Rushen With Patrice Rushen
  • 1996: Jazz for Thousand Oaks With Buddy Collette
  • 1996: Old School, Vols. 1-5
  • 1996: Old Skoolin'
  • 1996: Only Survivor: The MCA Years With Bobby Womack
  • 1996: Roller Disco: Boogie from the Skating Rinks
  • 1996: The Cypher, Pt. 3 With Frankie Cutlass
  • 1996: This Is Jazz, Vol. 19 With Wayne Shorter
  • 1997: Best of George Duke: The Elektra Years With George Duke
  • 1997: Booty Bass Party
  • 1997: Double Exposure With Dazz Band
  • 1997: Grosse Pointe Blank -- More Music from the Film
  • 1997: Hot Jazz Biscuits
  • 1997: Is Love Enough? With George Duke
  • 1997: Signature With Patrice Rushen
  • 1997: The Power of Touch With Bobby Lyle
  • 1997: The Bass-ic Collection With Stanley Clarke
  • 1997: The Sugar Hill Records Story
  • 1997: The Ultimate Collection With Santana
  • 1997: This Is Jazz, Vol. 27 With Ramsey Lewis
  • 1997: Upright Citizen With Charles Fambrough
  • 1998: After Hours With George Duke
  • 1998: Billboard Top Dance Hits: 1982
  • 1998: Bring on Da Funk, Vol. 1
  • 1998: Club Mix: The 80’s
  • 1998: Eat Me Baby, I'm a Jellybean With Daevid Allen
  • 1998: Family Jewels With Gong
  • 1998: Following Footsteps With Jeff Jarvis
  • 1998: Get as Much Love as You Can/Keep It Comin’ With The Jones Girls
  • 1998: Groovin’ High: The Drums Project on the 3
  • 1998: Hipbop 'N' Funk
  • 1998: Motown 40 Forever
  • 1998: Odyssey With Michael Martin
  • 1998: Old School Mixx, Vol. 2 With DJ Rectangle
  • 1998: One on One With Phyllis Hyman
  • 1998: Prelusion/Before the Dawn With Patrice Rushen
  • 1998: The Best of Friends With John Lee Hooker
  • 1998: The Best of Santana [Columbia] With Santana
  • 1998: The Best of Sugar Hill Records
  • 1998: This Is Jazz, Vol. 37 With George Duke
  • 1998: Wanting With Gabriela Anders
  • 1998: White Lines & Other Rap Classics
  • 1999: From Q, With Love With Quincy Jones
  • 1999: Greatest Hits [Sony] With Nancy Wilson
  • 1999: Hip Bop'N Smooth
  • 1999: Legends of Acid Jazz: Tenor Titans
  • 1999: Pop Music: The Modern Era 1976-1999
  • 1999: Pure Funk, Vol. 2
  • 1999: Songs of Seven Seas With Sami Kaneda
  • 1999: The Year 2000/My Favorite Person With The O'Jays
  • 1999: You Can't Go Back With Arnold McCuller
  • 2000: Between or Beyond the Black Forest: MPS Classics, Vol. 2
  • 2000: Christmas With Kenny Rogers
  • 2000: Cool With George Duke
  • 2000: DJ Dance Masters
  • 2000: De-Ja-New With Dr. Thom Mason
  • 2000: Gato Barbieri: Finest Hour With Gato Barbieri
  • 2000: Jazz Straight Up
  • 2000: Love Funk: 12 Classic Funk Hits
  • 2000: Party Starter Level 1: The Classics
  • 2000: Planet Dance: The World's Greatest Club Hits [Sampler]
  • 2000: Pulsating Grooves, Vol. 2
  • 2000: Shake Your Booty: Funk and Disco Essentials
  • 2000: Shape Fitness Music: Cardio, Vol.3
  • 2000: The Best of Herbie Hancock: The Hits With Herbie Hancock
  • 2000: The Very Best of Jean-Luc Ponty With Jean-Luc Ponty
  • 2000: Tom Joyner Presents: The United We Funk All-Stars Live With The United We Funk All-Stars
  • 2000: Turn It Up With Kool Moe Dee / Treacherous Three
  • 2000: Turn Up the Bass Funk With Bass Funk
  • 2000: Winning Combinations With The Brothers Johnson
  • 2001: 20th Century Masters-The Millennium Collection: Best of the Dazz Band With Dazz Band
  • 2001: Another Bitches Brew, Live With Miles Davis
  • 2001: Funk Classics
  • 2001: Funk from Da Old School
  • 2001: Greatest Hits: HIStory, Vol. 1 With Michael Jackson
  • 2001: I Want My 80's Box
  • 2001: Jazzy Christmas [Vertical Jazz]
  • 2001: Latitudes With Gold Coast
  • 2001: Love Songs With Patti LaBelle
  • 2001: Old School Jams, Vol. 3
  • 2001: Pure American Soul, Vol. 3: 80's
  • 2001: Q: The Musical Biography of Quincy Jones With Quincy Jones
  • 2001: Solid Gold Soul: 80's Rhythm & Grooves
  • 2001: The Funky 16 Corners
  • 2001: The Very Best of Patti Austin: The Singles (1969-1986) With Patti Austin
  • 2002: 100% Motown '80s
  • 2002: Bust a Move: The Best of Old School
  • 2002: Pasa Tiempo With Joe Louis Walker
  • 2002: Street Grooves [Fantasy]
  • 2002: The Beat of Brazil, Vol. 1 (Brazilian Grooves from the Warner Vaults)
  • 2002: The 20th Century Masters - The Millennium Collection: Motown 1980s, Vol. 1
  • 2002: The Essential Santana [Sony] With Santana
  • 2002: The New Guy
  • 2003: All Night Long: Classic Motown 12 Inch 80s Grooves
  • 2003: Atomic Funk
  • 2003: DJ’s Choice: More Halloween Party Music With DJ’s Choice
  • 2003: Drew’s Famous 30 Greatest Funk
  • 2003: Drew’s Famous Tribute to Rocky Horror With Drew’s Famous
  • 2003: Drew’s Famous Ultimate Party Hits With Drew’s Famous
  • 2003: Gold Coast With Rhian Benson
  • 2003: In Between the Heartaches With Phyllis Hyman
  • 2003: Rebirth With Children on the Corner
  • 2003: Spirit [EP] With Rhian Benson
  • 2003: The Chrome Collection With The Spinners
  • 2003: The Ronnie Laws Collection With Ronnie Laws
  • 2003: The Very Best of Santana [Sony International] With Santana
  • 2003: The Wayne Henderson Collection With Wayne Henderson & the Next Crusade
  • 2004: #1 Soul Hits of the '80s
  • 2004: 20th Century Masters - The Millennium Collection: The Best of Gato Barbieri With Gato Barbieri
  • 2004: American Pimp: Raw Outtakes and the Hard Truth
  • 2004: Bad/Dangerous With Michael Jackson
  • 2004: Drew’s Famous Party Like a Big Kahuna With Drew's Famous
  • 2004: Footprints: The Life and Music of Wayne Shorter With Wayne Shorter
  • 2004: Funk Explosion
  • 2004: Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas [Box Set]
  • 2004: Guitar & Bass With Alphonso Johnson
  • 2004: Guitar & Bass With Jaco Pastorius
  • 2004: Jazz Standards With Stanley Clarke
  • 2004: Live: San Francisco With Prophetz of Time and Space
  • 2004: Off the Wall/Thriller With Michael Jackson
  • 2004: Old School Jams [SPG Box Set]
  • 2004: Peace for Love With Curtis Amy
  • 2004: Smooth Jazz With Stanley Clarke
  • 2004: Summer of Motown
  • 2004: Superstars of Seventies Soul
  • 2004: The Essential George Duke With George Duke
  • 2004: Throwback Funk
  • 2004: Ultimate Funk [Madacy]
  • 2004: Vibrationz With Prophetz of Time and Space
  • 2004: What a Wonderful World With LeAnn Rimes
  • 2005: 60 Greatest Soul & Funk
  • 2005: Dance Grooves [Northquest]
  • 2005: Electro Sessions
  • 2005: Gold With Donna Summer
  • 2005: Ladies Night [Columbia River 2005]
  • 2005: Lam 2 [#2] With George Lam
  • 2005: Lam II: 24K Mastersonic Compilation With George Lam
  • 2005: Love Pages With Cafe Soul All Stars
  • 2005: Old School Nation, Vol. 2
  • 2005: Original Artist Karaoke: Motown - Brickhouse With The Singing Machine
  • 2005: Progressions: 100 Years of Jazz Guitar
  • 2005: So Full of Love/Identify Yourself With The O'Jays
  • 2005: The Thug in Me With Spice 1
  • 2005: Ultimate 16: Funk Masters
  • 2006: With ‘80s Soul Gold
  • 2006: A Mellow Jazz Christmas
  • 2006: Collectables Classics [Box Set] With Eddie Harris
  • 2006: Essential Playlist: 20 Non-Stop Hits! Funk
  • 2006: Hooker With John Lee Hooker
  • 2006: Let It Whip [Custom Premium] With Dazz Band
  • 2006: Nothing Will Be as It Was...Tomorrow/Everyday Everynight With Flora Purim
  • 2006: Standards With Stanley Clarke
  • 2006: The Definitive Collection With John Lee Hooker
  • 2006: The Definitive Groove Collection: Sugar Hill Records
  • 2006: The Greatest Funk Hits of All Time
  • 2007: ’80s Soul #1's
  • 2007: Best of Funk [Madacy]
  • 2007: Coffee & Bossa: The Chillout Sound of Flora Purim With Flora Purim
  • 2007: Funk Classics, Vol. 4
  • 2007: Gold With John Lee Hooker
  • 2007: Gold: Old School Jams
  • 2007: Head Shop Hits
  • 2007: Live at Montreaux [DVD] With Santana
  • 2007: Live at the 1988 Montreaux Jazz Festival With Santana
  • 2007: Missing You With Peabo Bryson
  • 2007: Motown Number 1's, Vol. 2
  • 2007: Multi-Dimensional Warrior With Santana
  • 2007: Music for Lovers: Dianne Reeves
  • 2007: Number 1's: '80s Soul
  • 2007: Old School, Vol. 9
  • 2007: The Platinum Collection With The Detroit Spinners / The Spinners
  • 2007: True Disco
  • 2007: Ultimate 80s [Madacy 3-CD]
  • 2007: Ultimate George Duke With George Duke
  • 2007: Ultimate Santana With Santana
  • 2008: Afro Blue: The Music of Oscar Brown Jr. With Cynthia Felton
  • 2008: Don’t Quit Music: '80s R&B Burn & Groove
  • 2008: Dukey Treats With George Duke
  • 2008: In Autumn With Yasuko Agawa
  • 2008: It Is What It Is With Impromp2
  • 2008: Jazz Rock (Jazz Club)
  • 2008: King of Pop With Michael Jackson
  • 2008: Les Incontournables du Jazz: Herbie Hancock With Herbie Hancock
  • 2008: Miles from India
  • 2008: Motown: The Complete #1s
  • 2008: My Soul: The Complete MPS Fusion Recordings With George Duke
  • 2008: Old School Party Pack
  • 2008: Original Album Classics: Caravanserai/Love Devotion Surrender/Welcome/Borboletta/Amigos With Santana
  • 2008: Smooth Running
  • 2008: Thoughts With David T. Walker
  • 2009: Anthology: 50 Years With John Lee Hooker
  • 2009: Best of Funk With Dazz Band
  • 2009: Bridge into the New Age
  • 2009: Don’t Quit Music: '80s Flashback Dance Fitness (Exercise, Fitness, Workout, Aerobics, Running, Walking, Weight Lifting, Cardio, Weight Loss, Abs)
  • 2009: From Me to You/Reach for It With George Duke
  • 2009: Nightbirds/Phoenix/Chameleon With Labelle
  • 2009: Only the Best of Dee Dee Bridgewater With Dee Dee Bridgewater
  • 2009: Only the Best of Eddie Harris, Vol. 1 With Eddie Harris
  • 2009: Party Nights With Rhythm 'n' Jazz
  • 2009: The Collection With Michael Jackson
  • 2009: The Platinum Collection With Tina Turner
  • 2009: The Singles, Vol. 8: 1972-1973 With James Brown
  • 2009: To Dad From Motown
  • 2010: Back to Me With Fantasia
  • 2010: Centipede/Reaction With Rebbie Jackson
  • 2010: Mosaic Select: John Carter and Bobby Bradford With Bobby Bradford / John Carter
  • 2010: New Amerykah, Pt. 2: Return of the Ankh With Erykah Badu
  • 2010: Rocks, Pebbles and Sand/Let Me Know You With Stanley Clarke
  • 2010: The Music of Miles Davis 1967-1975 With The Electric Thrasher Orchestra / Gerry Gibbs / Gerry Gibbs and the Electric Thrasher Orchestra Quotation Author
  • 2010: The Clarke/Duke Project, Vols. 1-3 With Stanley Clarke / George Duke
  • 2011: For Those Who Love/We're the Winners With Perry & Sanlin
  • 2011: Jazz for Japan
  • 2011: Joystick/Jukebox With Dazz Band
  • 2011: The Complete Columbia Albums Collection With Wayne Shorter
  • 2011: Time Will Reveal: The Complete Motown Albums With DeBarge
  • 2012: 3 Brave Souls With 3 Brave Souls / John Beasley / Leon "Ndugu" Chancler / Darryl Jones
  • 2012: Pitch Perfect [Original Motion Picture Soundtrack]
  • 2012: The Complete 1970s Epic Albums Collection With George Duke
  • 2012: The Columbia Albums 1971-1975” With Weather Report
  • 2013: Brazilian Fusion With George Duke
  • 2013: Dangerous With General Caine
  • 2013: Give Me Strength: The '74/'75 Studio Recordings With Eric Clapton
  • 2013: Love to Love You Donna With Donna Summer
  • 2013: Super Freak: Halloween Dance Party
  • 2014: Donna: The CD Collection With Donna Summer
  • 2014: George Duke Collection With George Duke
  • 2014: Live at the Bottom Line 1978 With Santana
  • 2014: The Song Is You With Jennifer Holliday
  • 2015: Miles Davis at Newport: 1955-1975 - The Bootleg Series, Vol. 4 With Miles Davis
  • 2015: Psycho Bass With Byron Miller
  • 2015: The Essential With Sonya Hensley
  • 2016: Almost Christmas [Original Motion Picture Soundtrack]
  • 2017: 80’s & 90's Club Hits
  • 2017: Elaborations/Light Blue: Arthur Blythe Plays Thelonious Monk With Arthur Blythe
  • 2017: King of Boogie [Craft] With John Lee Hooker

Frequently asked questions

At what age did Leon Chancler start playing the drums?

Leon Chancler started playing the drums in 1965 at the age of 13.

When did Leon Chancler pass away?

Leon Chancler died on 3 February 2018 at the age of 65.

How long did Leon Chancler play the drums for?

Leon Chancler played the drums for 52 years.

Which drum brands did Leon Chancler use?

Throughout his career Leon Chancler has used Remo, Paiste, Yamaha, Shure, Ludwig, Gretsch and ProMark.

What genres is Leon Chancler known for?

He is known for playing Jazz, Pop, Funk, Blues and Jazz.

How many recordings has Leon Chancler been featured on?

Counting all his Albums, Leon Chancler has been featured on at least 425 recordings.

References chevron down

  1. Ndugu Chancler, Paiste
  2. Leon Ndugu Chancler, ProfilBaru
  3. Leon “Ndugu" Chancler, Wikipedia
  4. Leon Ndugu Chancler, Discogs
  5. Leon “Ndugu" Chancler, Wikiwand
  6. Yamaha Ndugu Chancler Signature Snare Drum
  7. Leon “Ndugu" Chancler, RIP, WeatherReport
  8. Leon “Ndugu" Chancler, PAS
  9. Leon (Ndugu) Chancler, Versatile Drummer, Is Dead at 65, NYT
  10. Leon “Ndugu” Chancler, AllMusic
  11. Paiste Ndugu Chancler, CymbalWiki

Share this post:

Facebook Twitter Reddit Pinterest icon Pinterest

Recent posts

  1. Best Drum Practice Pads for Beginners: Top 8 Picks in 2023
  2. How to Practice Drums Without a Drum Set: Improve Your Skills at Home
  3. Electronic Drums: Pros & Cons You Need To Know Before Buying
  4. Top 10 Things Beginner Drummers Should Practice
  5. Best Drums For Toddlers: Wood, Electronic And Hand Drums
  6. Are Acrylic Drums Right For You? Pros And Cons Explained

Who we are

AboutDrumming.com is run by a group of drum teachers, drumming professionals and hobbyists. We love all things drums, and when not drumming we spend our time adding more awesome content to this website!

Free tools

  • Online Metronome
  • Polyrhythmic Metronome

Recent posts

  1. Best Drum Practice Pads for Beginners: Top 8 Picks in 2023
  2. How to Practice Drums Without a Drum Set: Improve Your Skills at Home
  3. Electronic Drums: Pros & Cons You Need To Know Before Buying
  4. Top 10 Things Beginner Drummers Should Practice
  5. Best Drums For Toddlers: Wood, Electronic And Hand Drums
  6. Are Acrylic Drums Right For You? Pros And Cons Explained

Affiliate Disclosure: When relevant AboutDrumming.com uses affiliate links (at no additional cost to you). As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

AboutDrumming.com

We are a community of drum enthusiasts who are passionate about sharing our love of drumming with others.

On our website you'll find articles, reviews and free resources - all focused on the wonderful world of drumming.

Resources

  • Drumming blog
  • Online metronome
  • Polyrhythmic metronome
  • Drumming glossary
  • Famous drummers
  • Other resources

Links

  • Homepage
  • About us
  • Contact us
  • Guest Posting
  • Privacy Policy

Copyright © 2023 AboutDrumming.com

Affiliate Disclosure: When relevant AboutDrumming.com uses affiliate links (at no additional cost to you). As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.