Last Surviving Member of Kool & The Gang, Robert ‘Kool’ Bell Celebrates Birthday & Huge Achievement
Kool & The Gang, best known for hit songs such as “Ladies Night” and “Celebration,” has finally been recognized for a huge honor. The band is being inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame after performing for 60 years. Sadly, only one of the original members, Robert “Kool” Bell, is still around to celebrate. In addition, he celebrates his birthday and turns 74 on October 8, 2024.
Larry Busacca/Getty Images for Songwriters Hall Of Fame
Bell opened up about the band’s legacy and how he feels about being inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, which is located very close to where he was born in Youngstown, Ohio. “It’s been 60 years,” he exclaimed. “We finally made it!”
“Every year, people would say, ‘You’re not in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame? I thought you was in there by now,'” Bell continued. “I said, ‘No. Maybe one day they’ll recognize us and give us some love. After all, I’m a Buckeye. I’m from Ohio. Give me a break.’”
Larry Busacca/Getty Images for Songwriters Hall Of Fame
Kool & The Gang featured Bell, his brother Ronald Bell (who died on September 9, 2020 at the age of 68), Dennis Thomas (who died on August 7, 2021, at the age of 70), George “Funky” Brown (who died on November 17, 2023 at 74), and, later James “J.T.” Thomas, plus many revolving members over the years. The current members are Bell, Michael Ray, Curtis “Fitz” Williams, Shawn “Shawny Mac” McQuiller and Kevin Bel. They still continue to tour from time to time.
“I was just talking about this to George’s wife,” Bell added. “The thing is, we go all the way back. It started with Spike Mickens, Claydes Smith, Dennis Thomas, George Brown and my brother Ronald. All my family is gone. I’m happy to be around though. We could have all been gone. [Singer] James “J.T.” Taylor is also part of this [induction]. He joined us in the eighties, and we had a lot of hits with him as well.” Congrats to Kool & The Gang!
In addition to being a part of the band and being a songwriter, Bell is a savvy businessman. He owns London Gate Management (music management), Collaborative Marketing Agency, Just Kool Enterprises (his own brand), Le Kool Champagne and Just Kool After Party (support for Kool & The Gang concerts). Not only does he have his own champagne brand, but also cologne and hand sanitizer brands.
Kool & The Gang will be inducted into the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame on October 19, 2024. Details on how to watch it here.
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