Danny Simmons, painter and brother of Rev Run and Russell Simmons, dies at 72

NEW YORK — Danny Simmons Jr., the celebrated abstract painter, author, philanthropist and older brother of Russell Simmons and Joseph “Rev Run” Simmons, has died at 72, his family announced Monday, June 15.

In a statement shared on social media, the family described Simmons as a “beacon of love and creativity.”

“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,” the family said. “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 continued:

“Though he has transitioned from this world, his legacy of kindness, generosity, and artistic brilliance will forever shine brightly in our hearts. The family respectfully asks for privacy during this time.”

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Russell Simmons: “Danny Was My Best Friend”

Russell Simmons, 68, honored his brother in a separate tribute, calling him “the true artist in the family.”

“His poetry, art, and ideas shaped how we think and gave us the freedom to dream beyond limits,” Russell wrote. “He cared deeply about the underserved communities of color and encouraged us to give back.”

Russell also spoke about their personal bond:

“Danny was my best friend. We spoke every day. He taught me how to be a better human being. How to be a man.”

Remembering Danny Simmons: A Life Shaped by Art, Literature and Community

Born and raised in Queens, New York, Simmons was the son of a truant officer and Black history professor father and a teacher mother who painted as a hobby. After earning a social work degree from New York University and a master’s in public finance from Long Island University, he began painting full‑time after realizing he disliked his job with the Bureau of Child Support.

“Danny embraced fine arts while watching his mother, also an artist and painter,” his website says. “He’d eventually take on her love for painting and his father’s love for the written word — becoming renowned in both avenues of expression.”

Simmons’ artwork appears in major cultural institutions, including the Brooklyn Academy of Music, the Brooklyn Museum, and the Smithsonian. He authored several books, including the 2003 novel Three Days as the Crow Flies and multiple poetry and art collections.

Co‑Creator of Def Poetry Jam and Champion for Young Artists

Simmons co‑created Def Poetry Jam, the groundbreaking HBO series that helped bring spoken‑word poetry into mainstream culture from 2002 to 2007.

In 1995, he co‑founded the Rush Philanthropic Arts Foundation with his brothers to expand arts access for disadvantaged urban youth.

His niece Aoki Lee Simmons praised his dedication in an emotional Instagram tribute.

“My Uncle Danny has kept Rush Philanthropic running ALONE for years. Because he did not want to stop serving the children in his community and giving them the opportunity to experience the healing, transformation and self‑understanding and self‑confidence that art brings.”

She added, “He held the early Simmons family together. There is no Run‑DMC, no Def Jam, no NOTHING without Danny Simmons.”

Simmons is survived by his wife Keia and his son Jamel