Leonard ‘Hub’ Hubbard, the bassist for The Roots has passed away after battling multiple myeloma, a rare form of blood cancer, he was 62-years-old.
Hubbard’s death was confirmed by his wife, Stephaine who made a statement with the Philadelphia Inquirer. Hub was diagnosed with the disease 14 years ago. His wife reported that he was in remission but cancer had returned last month.
Leonard Hubbard joined The Roots in 1992 and worked on every album from 1993 to 2006. He left the group in 2007 to pursue his career as a solo composer. He would later return to the group for reunions over the years.
Before his untimely death, Hubbard was working on an album featuring Ben Harper, Jill Scott, and Vernon Reid.
“He wanted to be known for the type of music he was composing. And before he died, he was sitting there at night listening to the music, and he was so happy with it,” Stephanie said.
The Roots also confirmed and paid tribute to their friend and bandmate.
It’s 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 pic.twitter.com/2dknTLDNLh— The Roots (@theroots) December 17, 2021
We will keep Hubbard’s family and loved ones in our thoughts and prayers.