Musician. Along with his older brother, Robert "Kool" Bell, they began playing in the mid-1960s as the Jazziacs in Jersey City, New Jersey. By the end of the decade and after a few personnel changes, the group became known as Kool and the Gang. He was a self-taught musician who mastered the saxophone and keyboard instruments. He was also the band's principal composer and arranger. With contributions from group members, he wrote the hits, "Jungle Boogie", "Hollywood Swinging", "Get Down On It", "Ladies' Night", and the band's first number one record, "Celebration". In addition, their classic, "Summer Madness", he was featured on the ARP synthesizer. His contributions helped Kool and the Gang earn multiple gold and platinum record awards with worldwide sales totaling over 70 million copies sold. In addition, the band earned seven American Music Awards and two Grammy Awards. Along with his brother, Robert, they were inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2018. In 2024, he was posthumously inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of Kool & the Gang.
Musician. Along with his older brother, Robert "Kool" Bell, they began playing in the mid-1960s as the Jazziacs in Jersey City, New Jersey. By the end of the decade and after a few personnel changes, the group became known as Kool and the Gang. He was a self-taught musician who mastered the saxophone and keyboard instruments. He was also the band's principal composer and arranger. With contributions from group members, he wrote the hits, "Jungle Boogie", "Hollywood Swinging", "Get Down On It", "Ladies' Night", and the band's first number one record, "Celebration". In addition, their classic, "Summer Madness", he was featured on the ARP synthesizer. His contributions helped Kool and the Gang earn multiple gold and platinum record awards with worldwide sales totaling over 70 million copies sold. In addition, the band earned seven American Music Awards and two Grammy Awards. Along with his brother, Robert, they were inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2018. In 2024, he was posthumously inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of Kool & the Gang.
Bio by: Glendora
Gravesite Details
64ISLM-17-23 /DDIS Rosehill
Family Members
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