Tributes have flooded in for legendary R&B drummer James Gadson following his death at the age of 86. The news was confirmed by Ghostbusters icon Ray Parker Jr in a post on his Instagram page. Sharing a picture of the pair together, he penned: "RIP James Gadson, we played together for over 50 years. He changed the world." Throughout his career, James worked with the great and good of the industry, including Bill Withers, Marvin Gaye, Quincy Jones, Rose Royce, Tavares, Herbie Hancock, and Diana Ross, as well as pop and rock stars like Beck and Wilco. Among the hit records he worked on were Marvin Gaye's "I Want You" and Diana Ross's "Love Hangover," both in 1976. That same year, he also drummed on Thelma Houston's breakout disco hit, Don't Leave Me This Way recorded at Motown's West Hollywood studio complex.

Producer JJ Blair, who is renowned for his work with artists such as Johnny Cash, June Carter Cash, Rod Stewart and The Who, also shared an emotional tribute, reflecting on the deep impact Gadson had on his life and music, and revealing that the star had been unwell for some time.

"I'm gutted right now. I just learned of James Gadson's passing. We'd been friends for about 20 years. We were on a session together, I gave him a record I made, and he called me up, told me how much he loved the record, and then wound up playing my wedding," he penned on Instagram alongside a picture of James in the studio.

"He'd been having some serious health problems this year, and we had to keep pushing back his coming in to talk about Marvin Gaye 'I Want You,' because he played the drums on that record.

"I just talked to him last week, when he called me to say that he wasn't feeling well...He was the loveliest, kindest man. The greatest right hand to ever put a stick on a high hat.

"I just had one of the most amazing days of my life, and now I'm crying. I'm so grateful not only to have worked with and played with him, but also to have known him and called him a friend. Thank you for all your kindness and for showing us where the pocket is. Rest in power, James."

Singer/songwriter Nick Perri wrote in tribute: "I just heard moments ago that the great James Gadson has left our dimension for the next adventure. James was one of my all-time favourite drummers, and his mark on music will forever reign. Truly, the best. Safe travels and thank you, James!"

Drummer and songwriter Jonathan "Sugarfoot" Moffett shared a reel with the star and others in happier times, which he captioned: "James Gadson wasn't just a legend to me...he was family...a mentor...a real one....The kind of man who didn't just play the groove...he was the groove....Every note he touched had soul, history, and truth...

"I learned so much just being around him...watching him...listening to him talk...he gave without holding back...always lifting people up, always pouring into the music and the people around him...."

Meanwhile, singer and actor Dale Edward Chung shared a picture of himself with James, captioned: "I'm so sorry to hear of the passing of legendary drummer and vocalist, James Gadson. I'm so glad I was able to meet and hang out with him and hear him play live. He was such a beautiful human. Born June 17, 1939, he played on some of the most influential songs in music history. He was also the drummer for my dear friend, singer-songwriter, Amiena. Rest peacefully, James, and thank you for all the music that is the soundtrack of my life."