Danny Simmons, founder of Rush Arts, dies at 72
Danny Simmons, the artist, author and founder of Rush Arts, has died at 72. The cause of death was not announced. Simmons was the older brother of Def Jam Recordings cofounder Russell Simmons and Rev. Joseph “Run” Simmons of Run-DMC. His death was announced last Monday by Russell Simmons on Instagram. After earning a social […] The post Danny Simmons, founder of Rush Arts, dies at 72 appeared first on St. Louis American.
Black News 
Danny Simmons, the artist, author and founder of Rush Arts, has died at 72. The cause of death was not announced.
Simmons was the older brother of Def Jam Recordings cofounder Russell Simmons and Rev. Joseph “Run” Simmons of Run-DMC. His death was announced last Monday by Russell Simmons on Instagram.
After earning a social work degree from NYU and being employed by the New York Bureau of Child Support through the 1980s, Danny Simmons later became a central figure in contemporary Black art. He created HBO’s Def Poetry Jam, which was adapted into a Tony Award-winning Broadway production. He also wrote the 2003 novel Three Days as the Crow Flies, published by Simon & Schuster.
Russell Simmons called him “the true artist in the family,” noting that his work shaped their creative outlook.
“Though he has transitioned from this world, his legacy of kindness, generosity, and artistic brilliance will forever shine brightly in our hearts,” Russell Simmons said in his post.
The post Danny Simmons, founder of Rush Arts, dies at 72 appeared first on St. Louis American.
