Danny Simmons, Abstract-Expressionist Artist and Philanthropist, Dies at 68

A quiet brushstroke of loss rippled through Philadelphia on Tuesday, June 13, 2026, when the city’s own Danny Simmons, 68, quietly slipped away. The abstract‑expressionist painter, author, poet and philanthropist, who had called the city home since 2015, left a legacy that stretched from the gallery floor to the heart of underserved communities.

The news first surfaced on Instagram, where Russell Simmons—co‑founder of Def Jam Recordings and brother to Danny and rapper Joseph “Rev Run” Simmons—posted a heartfelt tribute. "He was the true artist in the family," Russell wrote. "Joey and I went into music—him as a poet and rapper, me as a producer—but he was the one who created from the deepest place." The post continued, "His poetry, art and ideas shaped how we think and gave us the freedom to dream beyond limits. He was the most compassionate of us, always the first to sacrifice, the most honest and loving…Danny was my best friend. We spoke every day. He taught me how to be a better human being and how to be a man."

A family statement echoed the sentiment. "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 release read. "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 family also added that, "though he has transitioned from this world, his legacy of kindness, generosity, and artistic brilliance will forever shine brightly in our hearts." Privacy was requested during this difficult time.

Unlike his siblings, who built music empires, Danny carved a distinct path. Together with Russell and Joseph, he co‑founded the Rush Philanthropic Arts Foundation, a nonprofit that channels resources into arts education for disadvantaged urban youth. In 2015 he relocated to Philadelphia, opening Rush Arts Philadelphia—a gallery that doubles as a community arts center. Four years later, he launched RAP Gallery II, a solo exhibition space that further showcased his own work and the work of emerging artists.

His influence extended beyond the canvas. Danny served on the boards of the Brooklyn Museum, the Brooklyn Public Library, the New York Foundation for the Arts, the National Conference of Artists, and he was former chairman of the New York State Council on the Arts. He was a driving force behind Def Poetry Jam, the spoken‑word platform that debuted on Broadway, earned a Tony Award, and later became an HBO series that ran from 2002 to 2007. While Russell produced the show, Danny contributed as a poet and co‑producer, helping launch the careers of countless slam poets and bringing spoken word into mainstream consciousness.

His paintings have graced a host of prestigious venues: the Brooklyn Academy of Music, the Brooklyn Museum, Chase Manhattan Bank, Deutsche Bank, the Schomburg Center for Black Culture, the Smithsonian Institution, and even the United Nations. Internationally, his work appeared in France, Amsterdam, and Ghana. In 2019, he was appointed to the Philadelphia Museum of Art’s African American Collections Committee, cementing his role as a steward of cultural heritage.

Beyond visual art, Danny was a prolific writer. His 2004 novel, Three Days As the Crow Flies, offered a fictional glimpse into the 1980s New York art scene. He also published several poetry collections and prose works that explored humanity, culture, and spiritual exploration.

Danny is survived by his wife, Keia Simmons, and his son, Jamel Simmons. The institutions he helped build—Rush Arts Philadelphia, RAP Gallery II, and the Rush Philanthropic Arts Foundation—continue to nurture artists and empower communities, ensuring his vision of art as a vehicle for empowerment endures.

While the cause of death remains undisclosed, the impact of Danny Simmons’s life is unmistakable. From the streets of New York to the heart of Philadelphia, his brushstrokes, words, and generosity have left an indelible mark on the art world and the communities he served.