Aaron Spears, the Grammy-nominated drummer and music producer who worked with Ariana Grande, Usher, Lady Gaga and Britney Spears, among others, has died. He was 47.
Spears’ wife Jessica announced the news on Instagram on Monday, writing: “Aaron was not only an incredibly accomplished drummer admired by many for his unparalleled talent and passion for music, but he was also a devoted father to our previous son August. “His love, guidance and warmth were the pillars of our family, and his absence leaves a void that words cannot describe.”
She continued, “We were lucky to have him in our lives and his legacy will live on through the beautiful rhythms he created and the love he shared with us.”
Spears received a Grammy nomination for his work on Usher’s 2004 album Confessions. The following year, the drummer performed with James Brown at the Grammy Awards.
Spears’ touring and recording credits include Lil Wayne, Carrie Underwood, Miley Cyrus, Lady Gaga, Britney Spears, Mary Mary, The Backstreet Boys, Chaka Khan, Jordin Sparks, Adam Lambert and most recently Ariana Grande.
“I can’t imagine that,” Grande said in an Instagram Story post. “We were all so incredibly lucky to know Aaron. The absolute brightest light of a human being. Always friendly, always smiling. I feel so honored and grateful that our paths crossed and spent so much very special time together.”
On the television side, Spears was the music coordinator and drummer for the third season of “The Masked Singer.” He also served as the house drummer in the pilot episode of NBC’s “Songland” in 2019.
Spears is survived by his wife Jessica and his son August.