Jazz, R&B and funk pioneer Donald Byrd has died at the age of 80. Donald Byrd was born in Detroit, Michigan, U.S.A. on 9 December, 1932. He was a solo artist as well a bandleader.

He created the group 'The Blackbyrds' in early seventies. With this group Donald Byrd scored several hits including "Happy Music" (No. 3 R&B, No. 19 pop), "Walking In Rhythm" (No. 4 R&B, No. 6 pop) and "Rock Creek Park".

In the seventies, and eighties he recorded some albums that are well known in the boogie and funk scene including 'Love Byrd', 'Words, Sounds, Colors And Shapes', Thank You...for F.u.m.l.(funking Up My Life)'

Donald RIP