Famed music producer and singer Kashif has passed away in Los Angeles at the age of 56. While the cause of death is unknown at this time, his family has promised to keep his friends and family updated with details.
Kashif was born Michael Jones on December 26, 1959 in New York City. According to Euroweb, it was his teachers that encouraged and helped him to enroll him at a junior high school that had a great music program. Inspired by the likes of Herbie Hancock, Earth, Wind, & Fire and Barry White, the producer went on to work with Howard Johnson, Melba Moore, George Benson, and eventually, Clive Davis.
It was his introduction to Davis that would allow him the opportunity to work on Whitney Houston’s debut album. Her first single, “You Give Good Love” was an instant hit and would skyrocket his career as a musical architect.
Earlier this year, Kashif shared his experience with Red Bull Academy.
“It took me a year to figure it out. Clive brought her to me. She was singing cabaret shows. I’m like, ‘She’s great, but I don’t get it. What am I supposed to do with her?’ Then I saw her singing on The Mike Douglas Show. She sang “Somewhere Over The Rainbow,” and suddenly everything clicked into place.”
Industry giants took to social media to remember the legend’s contributions.
“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
Sing, Whitney! #RIPKashif pic.twitter.com/NCKiWwevkx — ᴅᴏʟʟᴀʀ (@callmedollar) September 27, 2016
So sad to hear @Kashifcreative passed. Our thoughts go out to his family. We’re honored to have shared his story on #Unsung. #RIPKashif https://t.co/kNUYUgMj2m — Unsung Producers (@UnsungProducers) September 27, 2016
#RIPKashif.. pic.twitter.com/msPuCG9Ryo — TV One (@tvonetv) September 27, 2016
