Leon 'Ndugu' Chancler

Leon (Ndugu) Chancler (July 1, 1952 - ) is a drummer, percussionist, studio musician, composer and producer. He is Adjunct Assistant Professor of Jazz Studies at the University of Southern California as of 2006.

Chancler was born in Shreveport, Louisiana and began playing drums when he was thirteen years old. While in high school, Chancler played with Willie Bobo and the Harold Johnson Sextet. Chancler graduated from California State University, Dominguez Hills with a degree in music education. By then he had already performed with the Gerald Wilson Big Band, Herbie Hancock,and recorded with Miles Davis, Freddie Hubbard, and Bobby Hutcherson, among many others.

Chancler also teaches at the Stanford Jazz Workshop in California for three weeks every summer.

Chancler is one of the most sought after studio percussionists in the music industry. His playing can be heard on many hit records, ranging from jazz to blues to pop, including Michael Jackson's superhit "Billie Jean". Chancler has also worked with George Duke, Patrice Rushen, Hubert Laws, The Crusaders, Frank Sinatra, Weather Report, Lionel Richie, Kenny Rogers, Thelonious Monk and John Lee Hooker.