The Urban Buzz sends heartfelt condolences to the family, friends and fans of Reggie Andrews. Reggie passed away last week after an apparent heart attack at age 74.

Reggie, a graduate of Pepperdine University, a musician with Willie Bobo, A&R director at Motown and co-writer/producer of the Dazz Band’s biggest hit, “Let It Whip”. He is credited with securing a young Tyrese Gibson for the Coca-Cola commercial that started his career. Under his tutelage, Locke’s Music department was the first high school in California to be sanctioned as an Apple Training Education Center for popular music software Logic.

As music department chair at Locke High in south Los Angeles, Reggie was a mentor to Tyrese Gibson, Patrice Rushen, Ndugu Chancler, Gerald Albright, Rickey Minor, Kamasi Washington, William Allen Young, Terrace Martin, Stephen Bruner, Ronald Bruner, Raymond Pounds, Syd The Kid and members of Earth, Wind & Fire plus many others.

Reggie Andrews was a great brother and a dear friend. He made a huge contribution to the music and education community in Los Angeles and beyond. He was a wonderful teacher of music and he will truly be missed. May Reggie Rest in Peace and Paradise.