The Roots is mourning the loss of its longtime manager, Richard Nichols. Nichols passed away Thursday after battling leukemia. A statement from the band posted on Questlove’s website, Okayplayer.com, says the Philadelphia native was “instrumental in every aspect of The Roots’ creative, cultural, and professional life” since the group was formed in 1992. Nichols was also a frequent producer for the group. On The Roots’ most recent album, “…And Then You Shoot Your Cousin,” Nichols was credited as a producer on nearly every song. He was 55-years-old.
Richard Nichols’ death is also touching others in the music industry. Rapper Talib Kweli mourned the loss on Twitter, calling Nichols “one of the greatest men” he’s ever met. Singer Jill Scott also took to social media, saying she has “enduring respect for a brilliant, extraordinary MAN.”
(source-Billboard)
