Kashif Saleem, the funk and boogie producer who worked with the likes of Whitney Houston and George Benson, has died. The musician was 56 years old.
While details on Saleem's death are still developing, his passing was confirmed by his family this morning (September 27) over Twitter.
EURweb reports that Saleem's body was found at his L.A. home on Monday by a neighbour, but the Los Angeles County coroner's office discovered that he had been dead since Sunday. Apparently, he died of "natural causes."
Born in New York in 1959, Saleem had gone by the name of Michael Jones before converting to Islam as a teen. At 15, he joined funk band B. T. Express as a keyboardist and vocalist, and stayed with the group until 1978. By 1981, he had worked as a producer on disco singer Evelyn King's "I'm in Love," which hit No. 1 on both the U.S. R&B and Dance charts.
Saleem signed to Arista Records in 1983 as a solo artist, releasing albums under the mononym Kashif. Beginning with that year's Kashif, he released seven solo albums, many of which garnering attention for his synth-styled compositions. His debut album's "The Mood" earned a Grammy nod for Best Instrumental, while 1984's Send Me Your Love earned him additional noms for Al Jarreau collab "Edgartown Groove" and instrumental piece "Call Me Tonight."
By 1985, Saleem was working in the studio with a young Whitney Houston, having produced her self-titled debut's "You Give Good Love" and "Thinking About You," on which he also sang with the future superstar.
Over the years, Saleem would also work with Kenny G, George Benson, Exposé, Meli'sa Morgan and many more.
Most recently, Saleem had been working on a 10-part documentary series called The History of R&B Music, which was being funded through Indiegogo. The status of the project is unconfirmed.
Below, you'll find tributes to the synth pioneer from artists including Chaka Khan, Public Enemy's Chuck D, Questlove, producer Jimmy Jam and more.
While details on Saleem's death are still developing, his passing was confirmed by his family this morning (September 27) over Twitter.
It is with great sadness we the Family are confirming the passing of music legend Kashif in Los Angeles, CA. We will keep you updated.
— Kashif (@Kashifcreative) September 27, 2016
EURweb reports that Saleem's body was found at his L.A. home on Monday by a neighbour, but the Los Angeles County coroner's office discovered that he had been dead since Sunday. Apparently, he died of "natural causes."
Born in New York in 1959, Saleem had gone by the name of Michael Jones before converting to Islam as a teen. At 15, he joined funk band B. T. Express as a keyboardist and vocalist, and stayed with the group until 1978. By 1981, he had worked as a producer on disco singer Evelyn King's "I'm in Love," which hit No. 1 on both the U.S. R&B and Dance charts.
Saleem signed to Arista Records in 1983 as a solo artist, releasing albums under the mononym Kashif. Beginning with that year's Kashif, he released seven solo albums, many of which garnering attention for his synth-styled compositions. His debut album's "The Mood" earned a Grammy nod for Best Instrumental, while 1984's Send Me Your Love earned him additional noms for Al Jarreau collab "Edgartown Groove" and instrumental piece "Call Me Tonight."
By 1985, Saleem was working in the studio with a young Whitney Houston, having produced her self-titled debut's "You Give Good Love" and "Thinking About You," on which he also sang with the future superstar.
Over the years, Saleem would also work with Kenny G, George Benson, Exposé, Meli'sa Morgan and many more.
Most recently, Saleem had been working on a 10-part documentary series called The History of R&B Music, which was being funded through Indiegogo. The status of the project is unconfirmed.
Below, you'll find tributes to the synth pioneer from artists including Chaka Khan, Public Enemy's Chuck D, Questlove, producer Jimmy Jam and more.
"So Fine" blew my mind the 1st time I heard it. I listened to all @Kashifcreative did. VERY influential on me. #RIPKashif #lostanotherone pic.twitter.com/m287MD7Ytn
— Jimmy Jam (@flytetymejam) September 27, 2016
2016 has been absolutely devastating. My prayers and condolences go out to the @Kashifcreative family. #RIPKashif
— Chaka Khan (@ChakaKhan) September 27, 2016
A crazy year ...RIP KashiF Singer/Producer Kashif Has Died. He was 56 https://t.co/t9npFekGem
— Chuck D (@MrChuckD) September 27, 2016
educate yourself and enlighten yourself. & know general excellence #Kashif https://t.co/C7iPMST0jh
— Questlove Gomez (@questlove) September 27, 2016