Kool & the Gang, the Jersey City band known for “Celebration” and decades of danceable funk.
Profile
- Origin
- Jersey City, United States
- Formed
- 1964
- Founding members
- Robert “Kool” Bell, Ronald Bell, Dennis “Dee Tee” Thomas, Robert “Spike” Mickens, Claydes “Charles” Smith, George “Funky” Brown, Ricky West
- Current status
- Active; Robert “Kool” Bell is the only surviving founder and continues to lead the band. Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2024.
- Official website
- www.koolandthegang.com
Current lineup
- Robert “Kool” Bell — bass (1964–present)
- Shawn McQuiller — vocals, guitar (1991–present)
Former members
- Ronald Bell (“Khalis Bayyan”) — saxophone, keyboards, production (1964–2020; died 2020)
- Dennis “Dee Tee” Thomas — saxophone, flute (1964–2021; died 2021)
- George “Funky” Brown — drums (1964–2023; died 2023)
- Claydes “Charles” Smith — guitar (1964–2006; died 2006)
- Ricky West — keyboards (1964–1976; died 1985)
- James “J.T.” Taylor — vocals (1979–1988, 1995–2001)
Discography
| Year | Release |
|---|---|
| 1969 | Kool and the Gang |
| 1973 | Wild and Peaceful |
| 1974 | Light of Worlds |
| 1975 | Spirit of the Boogie |
| 1976 | Open Sesame |
| 1979 | Ladies’ Night |
| 1980 | Celebrate! |
| 1982 | As One |
| 1983 | In the Heart |
| 1984 | Emergency |
| 1986 | Forever |
| 2021 | Perfect Union |
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