February 4, 2003 – Claude Pepperdied of cancer at his home in Sacramento

FEBRUARY 4, 2003 – Drummer/vocalist/actor CLAUDE PEPPER (b. April 28, 1952 in Staten Island, New York City as Jack Mack) died of cancer at his home in Sacramento, California at age 50. He was survived by his wife of 22 years, Debbie, and their sons Nick and Kevin, his parents Anna Marie and Jim Mack, a brother Jimmie Mack, sisters Carol Torricelli and Kathryn Mack, and nieces Christine, Carolyn, Linda, Tracey, Stephanie, Tiffany, Chelsea.
Mack moved to Los Angeles in the late 1970s, and became a respected studio and touring musician who played with the Righteous Brothers, Three Dog Night, The Hudson Brothers, Mac Davis, Yvonne Elliman, and made one self-titled album with Silver Condor. He was also an actor, known for an appearance on TV’s “Laverne & Shirley” (1976), and a role in the film “Tuff Turf” (1985).
He became a founding member and drummer of the popular R&B group Jack Mack & the Heart Attack, formed in Los Angeles in 1980 with 11 of the hottest session musicians in the city. The toast of the local club scene, Glenn Frye produced their first album. They performed on late night TV, had cameos in films and TV sitcoms, yet got very little airplay across the country. Pepper departed from the group in 1987 and pursued other interests, moving to Sacramento in 1993.
His brother Jimmie Mack is guitarist, singer, songwriter, producer, and performer whose work can be found on numerous recordings as well as with his group the Earl Slick Band.

READ MORE:
http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0533003/bio
https://billgeist.typepad.com/…/claude-pepper…/credits