It’s been a tough week for the entertainment world. First came the loss of “The Cosby Show’s” Malcolm-Jamal Warner, followed by the “Prince of Darkness” Ozzy Osbourne, then WWE icon Hulk Hogan, and we just learned of flugelhorn legend Chuck Mangione.
Announced today, Mangione passed away peacefully at age 84 in his Rochester, New York, home on July 22, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of smooth jazz and a surprising connection to one of television’s most beloved sitcoms. If you’re a devoted “Friends” fan, you might recall the subtle nods to Mangione in seasons three and four.
Born in 1940, Mangione rose to fame in the 1970s with his Grammy-winning instrumental hit “Feels So Good,” a breezy, feel-good tune that topped the charts and became a soft jazz classic. But for “Friends” watchers, his unexpected link to the show adds a sweet layer of pop culture nostalgia.
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In Season 3’s “The One at the Beach,” Phoebe Buffay meets her birth mother, played by Teri Garr. There’s a photo on the fridge that Phoebe insists is of her father. But her mom replies, “That’s Chuck Mangione.” It’s a blink and you’ll miss it moment, but at the time, Mangione’s name was instantly recognizable.
A season later, in “The One with All the Haste,” Joey’s neighbor wakes Rachel by singing a joyful tune: “Morning’s Here,” a cheerful take on “Feels So Good.”
You can watch it here:
Though Mangione never appeared on “Friends”, unlike his recurring animated role as the Mega Lo Mart spokesman on “King of the Hill”, these quiet moments cemented his place in sitcom lore, blending cool jazz with ‘90s comedy.
In a career that spanned decades, Mangione’s connection to “Friends” is a pleasant reminder of how music legends are sometimes remembered in unexpected places.
