Roger Clayton, founder of Los Angeles' Uncle Jamms Army, dies of a heart attack yesterday morning at age 51.

Roger Clayton dead at age 51. Hard to believe, but it is true. Roger Clayton founded the entertainment group Uncle Jamms Army during the 70's and early 80's funk era. The song above was a big deal that blew us LA broadcasters away during our party funk era. We were so proud of Roger.

Clayton went to Narboone High School, which was in the same Marine High School league as mine. Roger was a year ahead of me, as I went to Carson High School. We knew each other through a mutual close friend named Jeanine Carlton.

Years later Roger and I entered broadcasting at roughly the same time in the 80's. Roger was at radio station KDAY, and I with KGFJ during the hot LA radio war years, inclusive of KACE and KJLH. All stations had their time at the top.

Roger however broke off into Promoting Hip Hop acts on the west coast, setting up venues for the 80's rap artists. He booked all of the top rap acts from San Diego to the northwest, including RunDMC..

Just so happen that I ran into Roger just a few weeks ago while I was visiting LA. I am in Washington DC now at Syndication One - a division of Radio One. I greeted him with delight having not seen Roger Clayton in over 25 years.

I understand that he had a 70's and 80's reunion party just two weeks ago. Plans were even solidly set an Uncle Jamms Army reunion in a few weeks.

Roger Clayton, dead at 51. Damn! RIP my brother.Condolences to the Clayton family, especially Rogers' kids (grown up now) that he loved dearly.

Life is short, cut out the bullshit and enjoy it.