Vince Montana, Jr. Dead, MFSB Percussionist Dies at 85

Philadelphia music icon Vince Montana, Jr., who was one of the founding members of the group MFSB, died on April 13 at the age of 85. According to a Facebook post, the musician passed away peacefully surrounded by friends and family.

Montana was a producer and percussionist for MFSB and was instrumental in developing the Philadelphia soul sound with production duo Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff at Philadelphia International Records. He was also the founder and conductor of the Salsoul Orchestra.

Montana's Facebook page has been flooded with tributes and condolences from fans all over the world who have enjoyed Montana's contributions to soul and R&B music.

"THANK YOU to everyone for the beautiful messages to our beloved dad "VMJ." It is truly amazing -- the LOVE that we are feeling -- that he is feeling," wrote Montana's daughter and son Eileen and Vincent III. "It is helping our broken hearts get through these very, very sad days. God Bless you dad -- Feel the Love VMJ! We love you."

MFSB's music has been sampled by hundreds of artists in the rap game. Most notably, Jay-Z's 'What More Can I Say?' features the orchestral sounds of 'Something for Nothing.' Other rap artists who used MFSB as a sampled source include LL Cool J, Jeru da Damaja, EPMD, MC Lyte, Main Source and even pop singer JoJo.

We would like to send condolences to the family of Vince Montana, Jr. May he rest in eternal peace.

Listen to MSFSB's 'Something for Nothing'

Listen to Jay-Z's 'What More Can I Say'