About this Artist

Ndugu Chancler is a Drummer, Percussionist, Producer, Composer, Clinician, and Educator.

As a studio musician, Ndugu has recorded with such greats as Frank Sinatra , Herbie Hancock, Weather Report, John Lee Hooker, Kenny Rogers, and Michael Jackson. Working on “Thriller” and “Bad”, Ndugu was the drummer on the hit single “Billie Jean”. Ndugu has also played on a number of Movie Soundtracks including , “An Officer and a Gentleman”, “Indecent Proposal”, and “The Color Purple.”

As a songwriter Ndugu co- wrote hits for Santana including “Dance Sister Dance”, ”Reach For It” for George Duke, and “Let It Whip” for the Dazz Band. His production credits include Flora Purim, Bill Summers, Toki, along with his own solo recordings; Ndugu and the Chocolate Jam Co., and Ndugu Chancler. Ndugu has co-produced recordings for Santana, George Duke, The Crusaders, Joe Sample, Wilton Felder, Tina Turner, and a group he co-leads with Patrice Rushen, and Ernie Watts, The Meeting. These associations have brought many Gold and Platinum albums and Grammy Awards.

As an educator, Ndugu has worked with the Jazz Mentorship Program in Los Angeles, Faculty of the Stanford Jazz Workshop and the Diaz Music Institute. Ndugu does clinics all over the world. Ndugu Chancler is an Adjunct Professor of Jazz and Popular Music Studies at The University of Southern California, Flora L. Thornton School of Music.