Funk icon Edwin Birdsong, notably sampled by Daft Punk, dies at age 77 – EDM All Day

An experimental artist known for his intricate keyboard work and his fusion of jazz, rock, and funk, Edwin Birdsong has passed away at the age of 77. In addition to his influence on the 70s funk scene, the Birdsong has been a major influence on acts like Daft Punk and De La Soul.

Birdsong’s track, “Cola Bottle Baby” is a large part of the foundation of Daft Punk’s “Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger,” while his song “Rapper Dapper Snapper,” served as the base for late 80s hip hop chart topper “Me, Myself, & I,” by De La Soul. Having frequently collaborated with and produced for Roy Ayers, Stevie Wonder, and more, Edwin Birdsong’s funky influence, found all over modern music, will be dearly missed.

H/T: Pitchfork