Artist, Producer, and Philanthropist Danny Simmons Jr. Dead at 72

Creative force Danny Simmons Jr. has died at 72. Simmons was a celebrated abstract painter, poet, gallerist, and the Co-Executive Producer of the HBO series Def Poetry.

The Simmons Family Made the Announcement

Danny Jr.’s family confirmed his passing in a widely circulated post on their social media pages. “It is with a profound sense of loss that we honor and celebrate the life of Danny Simmons Jr., a beacon of love and creativity. He was not just a brother, father, uncle, grandfather, and loving husband; he was a vibrant artist, dedicated supporter of creatives, and a cherished friend,” the statement read. “Though he has transitioned from this world, his legacy of kindness, generosity, and artistic brilliance will forever shine brightly in our hearts.”

Simmons Made a Significant Contribution to the Arts

The artist was also the co-founder and co-chairman of the Rush Philanthropic Arts Foundation. Their mission “is dedicated to providing underserved youth with contemporary art education and developing and supporting artists, curators, and new audiences.” He poured years of his life into maintaining the foundation to support the arts.

He contributed valuable insights to the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC) as a scholarly consultant in 2015. His work is featured in that institution and the Brooklyn Academy. He penned the novel Three Days as the Crow Flies in 2003. It reflected the contradictions inherent in the world of fine art and posed powerful questions that remain relevant today.

He collaborated with Floyd Hughes on the graphic novel 85 in 2008.

He Provided Opportunities For Other Artists

Danny Jr.’s kindness extended far beyond his bloodline. Former Rush Arts Board president Taneshia Nash Laird shared how he showed up for her. “I had come to value Danny as a confidant in my own arts leadership journey,” she said in a post on LinkedIn.

She cited the opportunities he gave to many prominent Black artists in his Brooklyn-based Corridor Gallery. “The galleries were the sites of early career exhibitions of artists like Simone Leigh, Wangechi Mutu, Kehinde Wiley, Mickalene Thomas, Sanford Biggers, Allison Janae Hamilton, among many others,” Nash Laird continued.

The American artistic landscape would have looked very different without Danny Jr.’s consistent input. He was a widely admired tastemaker.

He Was Beloved By His Family

Aoki Lee Simons reflected on her uncle Danny’s role in her life in a loving tribute on Instagram. “I will miss you every day of forever; no little girl, child, teenager, or young woman could have had a better Uncle. I only wish I had you longer! My whole life, you have been a role model of kindness, love, and grace,” she wrote in the caption of her Instagram post honoring her uncle. She recalled the many ways that her uncle supported her, including actively participating in her birthday parties and encouraging her artistic expression.

“You helped your little brother parent his daughters, especially me. You filled my life with love, creativity, and encouragement from my very first memory. You are an amazing artist, an amazing mentor to others,  an amazingly charitable spirit. My Uncle Danny has kept Rush Philanthropic running ALONE for years, “she continued. “Our birthdays are a day apart (August 16-17); we had many joint birthday parties, all Princess and Mermaid themed. At the time I thought he also loved mermaids but as a grown up I realize, he just loved me and wanted to make me happy. Danny Simmons is the kind of man who would wear a pink princess tiara at his niece’s birthday.”

The lengthy post was full of examples of his compassion. “I hope heaven is beautiful and full of art for you,” Aoki concluded.

He is survived by his wife Keia, son Jamel, brothers Run DMC rapper and reality star Joseph “Rev. Run” Simmons and Def Jam Recordings co-founder Russell Simmons, nieces Aoki Lee Simmons, Ming Lee Simmons, Vanessa Simmons, Angela Simmons, Miley Justine Simmons, and nephews Joseph “Jojo” Simmons, Diggy Simmons, and Russell Simmons II.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the Simmons family at this time.