Roots Bassist Leonard "Hub" Hubbard Dies at 62

He played on all the band's records between 1992 and 2007, when he was diagnosed with a rare blood cancer

BY Kaelen BellPublished Dec 17, 2021

Leonard "Hub" Hubbard, bass player in the Roots from 1992 until 2007, has died at 62. 

Hubbard was diagnosed with a rare form of blood cancer called multiple myeloma in 2007, the same year that he left the band. According to Hubbard's wife Stephanie, he had been in remission until last month. 

As reported by The Philadelphia Inquirer, Hubbard began composing music following his diagnosis and was working on a record featuring original songs written with artists like Jill Scott, Ben Harper, Vernon Reid, Jeff "Tain" Watts, and the Philadelphia singers Lady Alma and Jaguar Wright. Stephanie Hubbard told The Philadelphia Inquirer that the album — called The Awakening — was completed last week. 

"He wanted to be known for the type of music he was composing," she said. "And before he died, he was sitting there at night listening to the music, and he was so happy with it."

The Roots also posted a statement in honour of Hubbard, writing "May your transition bring peace to your family to your friends to your fans and all of those who loved you. Rest in Melody Hub."

See the Roots' post below. 
 

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