It’s with a heavy heart that I report Leonard Hubbard, bassist and one of the founding members of The Roots, has passed away.
Leonard, affectionately known as “Hub,” had been battling multiple myeloma – a type of blood cancer for more than a decade, but his health unexpectedly took a turn on Wednesday night.
His wife, Stephanie Hubbard, took him to Lankenau Hospital, but she wasn’t allowed to stay with him due to COVID-19 restrictions.
I was called to the hospital. They told me what had happened that he had passed. I went to the hospital and was able to sit with him.
Stephanie said a few days before Hub was energetic and mobile, and then he was suddenly unable to move.
After his diagnosis in 2007, he underwent two rounds of chemotherapy and still produced music with amazing artists like Jill Scott.
Hub recorded seven albums with The Roots.
But, in 2016, Leonard Hubbard filed a lawsuit against a few members of The Roots claiming he was being paid less than other members, despite having a deal to be paid as a co-owner.
According to Stephanie, the lawsuit still has not been settled.
Before his passing, Hub finished a composition titled, “The Awakening.”
Stephanie shared:
When you hear his project, you’ll see he was so much more than what people know.
The Roots releases the following statement via Instagram:
It is with the heaviest of hearts that we say goodbye to our brother Leonard Nelson Hubbard.
May your transition bring peace to your family to your friends to your fans and all of those who loved you.
Rest in Melody Hub
See the original post below.
My sincerest condolences to the Hubbard family and all who knew and loved Hub.
May he rest in paradise.
Source: ABC6 Philadelphia
