George Brown, the co-founder, drummer, and songwriter for Kool & the Gang, died Thursday, Nov. 16, after a battle with cancer. He was 74.
A rep for Kool & the Gang confirmed Brown’s death in a statement shared with Rolling Stone. Brown’s family asked that, in lieu of flowers, donations be sent to the Lung Cancer Society of America in his honor.
Aptly nicknamed “Funky,” Brown not only provided the backbeat to Kool & the Gang’s many indelible funk and disco era hits but also helped write them. Brown’s co-writing credits include favorites like “Ladies Night,...
A rep for Kool & the Gang confirmed Brown’s death in a statement shared with Rolling Stone. Brown’s family asked that, in lieu of flowers, donations be sent to the Lung Cancer Society of America in his honor.
Aptly nicknamed “Funky,” Brown not only provided the backbeat to Kool & the Gang’s many indelible funk and disco era hits but also helped write them. Brown’s co-writing credits include favorites like “Ladies Night,...
- 11/17/2023
- by Jon Blistein
- Rollingstone.com
George Brown, the drummer who gave Kool & the Gang its propulsive, infection beats, died Thursday after a battle with cancer, a Universal Music Enterprises spokesperson announced. He was 74.
Brown — whose nickname was “Funky” — was one of seven school friends from Jersey City, New Jersey, who came together in 1964 as an instrumental-only jazz and soul group calling itself the Jazziacs. Other members included Robert “Kool” Bell on bass, brother Ronald Bell on keyboards and Charles Smith on guitar.
The band went through several name changes, including the New Dimensions, the Soul Town Band and Kool & the Flames before settling on Kool & the Gang, the name that would become famous worldwide, in 1969. They signed to De-Lite records and released their first LP, the all-instrumental Kool and the Gang, in 1970. By 1973, they incorporated emerging disco trends in its sound, cracking the U.S. Top 10 with “Jungle Boogie” in 1973 and “Hollywood Swinging” in 1974.
After a period of decline,...
Brown — whose nickname was “Funky” — was one of seven school friends from Jersey City, New Jersey, who came together in 1964 as an instrumental-only jazz and soul group calling itself the Jazziacs. Other members included Robert “Kool” Bell on bass, brother Ronald Bell on keyboards and Charles Smith on guitar.
The band went through several name changes, including the New Dimensions, the Soul Town Band and Kool & the Flames before settling on Kool & the Gang, the name that would become famous worldwide, in 1969. They signed to De-Lite records and released their first LP, the all-instrumental Kool and the Gang, in 1970. By 1973, they incorporated emerging disco trends in its sound, cracking the U.S. Top 10 with “Jungle Boogie” in 1973 and “Hollywood Swinging” in 1974.
After a period of decline,...
- 11/17/2023
- by Seth Abramovitch
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
George “Funky” Brown, a founding member and longtime drummer of Kool & the Gang, has died at the age of 74.
A representative for Kool & the Gang issued a statement to TMZ saying, “George Brown died November 16, 2023 in Los Angeles after a battle with cancer.”
As reported by CBS local affiliate Kcal News in late October, Brown was diagnosed with lung cancer three years ago, but was able to battle back after surgery and chemotherapy. Though Brown was able to return to the road in 2022, he was dealt a setback earlier this year when the cancer came back.
Brown co-founded Kool & the Gang in Jersey City, New Jersey in 1964 with brothers Robert “Kool” Bell and Ronald Bell, Dennis “Dee Tee” Thomas, Robert “Spike” Mickens, Charles Smith, Woodrow “Woody” Sparrow, and Ricky West. Following Brown’s death, Robert “Kool” Bell is the only surviving founding member.
Thanks to their unique blend of funk,...
A representative for Kool & the Gang issued a statement to TMZ saying, “George Brown died November 16, 2023 in Los Angeles after a battle with cancer.”
As reported by CBS local affiliate Kcal News in late October, Brown was diagnosed with lung cancer three years ago, but was able to battle back after surgery and chemotherapy. Though Brown was able to return to the road in 2022, he was dealt a setback earlier this year when the cancer came back.
Brown co-founded Kool & the Gang in Jersey City, New Jersey in 1964 with brothers Robert “Kool” Bell and Ronald Bell, Dennis “Dee Tee” Thomas, Robert “Spike” Mickens, Charles Smith, Woodrow “Woody” Sparrow, and Ricky West. Following Brown’s death, Robert “Kool” Bell is the only surviving founding member.
Thanks to their unique blend of funk,...
- 11/17/2023
- by Eddie Fu
- Consequence - Music
George “Funky” Brown, the drummer, founding member and one of the main songwriters of pop-r&b group Kool & The Gang, died in Los Angeles last night following a battle with lung cancer. He was 74.
Brown, along with Robert “Kool” Bell on bass, his brother Ronald Bell on tenor and lead vocalist James “J.T.” Taylor, was one of the songwriters in a band with such hits as “Jungle Boogie,” “Hollywood Swinging,” “Celebration,” and “Get Down on It.”
His death was reported by TMZ.
According to an official biography of the drummer-songwriter posted by the Songwriters Hall of Fame, the Jersey City, N.J., native had developed an early affinity for jazz drummers Elvin Jones, Art Blakey and Jack DeJohnette when he met neighbor and future Kool & The Gang keyboardist Ricky West. West introduced Brown to the band’s future saxophonist and musical director Ronald Bell and future trumpeter Robert Mickens,...
Brown, along with Robert “Kool” Bell on bass, his brother Ronald Bell on tenor and lead vocalist James “J.T.” Taylor, was one of the songwriters in a band with such hits as “Jungle Boogie,” “Hollywood Swinging,” “Celebration,” and “Get Down on It.”
His death was reported by TMZ.
According to an official biography of the drummer-songwriter posted by the Songwriters Hall of Fame, the Jersey City, N.J., native had developed an early affinity for jazz drummers Elvin Jones, Art Blakey and Jack DeJohnette when he met neighbor and future Kool & The Gang keyboardist Ricky West. West introduced Brown to the band’s future saxophonist and musical director Ronald Bell and future trumpeter Robert Mickens,...
- 11/17/2023
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
In celebration of Kool & The Gang’s 60th anniversary next year, the iconic funk and soul group announced their new album People Just Wanna Have Fun on Wednesday. The record is set to release on July 14, 2023, and follows their single “Let’s Party” featuring Sha Sha Jones.
The 15-track album is helmed by founding members bassist Robert “Kool” Bell and keyboardist- drummer George “Funky” Brown. The set will be the band’s 34th studio album and features some of the last studio work by legendary founding horn players, Kool’s...
The 15-track album is helmed by founding members bassist Robert “Kool” Bell and keyboardist- drummer George “Funky” Brown. The set will be the band’s 34th studio album and features some of the last studio work by legendary founding horn players, Kool’s...
- 5/4/2023
- by Charisma Madarang
- Rollingstone.com
Founding member and saxophonist for the band Kool & the Gang, Dennis “Dee Tee” Thomas, died at 70 on August 7 in Montclair, New Jersey. Thomas formed the band in 1964 with six of his friends: Robert Bell, known as Kool, Ronald Bell, Spike Mickens, Ricky Westfield, George Brown and Charles Smith. The band was […]
The post Dennis Thomas, Founding Member Of Kool & The Gang, Dies At 70 appeared first on uInterview.
The post Dennis Thomas, Founding Member Of Kool & The Gang, Dies At 70 appeared first on uInterview.
- 8/11/2021
- by Alexandra Llorca
- Uinterview
Dennis “Dee Tee” Thomas, a co-founder of Kool & the Gang, died Saturday in his sleep, a spokesperson said. He was 70 and no cause of death has been determined.
“An original member of Kool & the Gang, Dennis was known as the quintessential cool cat in the group, loved for his hip clothes and hats, and his laid-back demeanor,” the spokesperson said in a statement. “A huge personality while also an extremely private person, Dennis was the alto saxophone player, flutist, percussionist as well as master of ceremonies at the band’s shows.”
Thomas was most prominently featured on Kool & the Gang’s 1971 hit, Who’s Gonna Take the Weight. His death follows that of fellow co-founder Ronald “Khalis” Bell, who died in Sept. 2020 at age 68.
Started in New Jersey by a group of neighborhood friends, Kool & The Gang was one of the major R&b groups of the 1970s, with such...
“An original member of Kool & the Gang, Dennis was known as the quintessential cool cat in the group, loved for his hip clothes and hats, and his laid-back demeanor,” the spokesperson said in a statement. “A huge personality while also an extremely private person, Dennis was the alto saxophone player, flutist, percussionist as well as master of ceremonies at the band’s shows.”
Thomas was most prominently featured on Kool & the Gang’s 1971 hit, Who’s Gonna Take the Weight. His death follows that of fellow co-founder Ronald “Khalis” Bell, who died in Sept. 2020 at age 68.
Started in New Jersey by a group of neighborhood friends, Kool & The Gang was one of the major R&b groups of the 1970s, with such...
- 8/7/2021
- by Bruce Haring
- Deadline Film + TV
Kool & the Gang have returned with a new song, “Pursuit of Happiness,” from their upcoming album, Perfect Union, out August 21st via Omnivore Recordings.
“Pursuit of Happiness” boasts a bright groove and exudes hopeful energy with a hook that proclaims, “We need more Lennons, Lincolns, more Kennedys, and Kings/Lord could you send somebody to help us?/Someone to help us with a dream.” This version of the song also features a bonus verse from rapper Keith Murray (a version without the rap will also appear on Perfect Union).
“Pursuit of Happiness...
“Pursuit of Happiness” boasts a bright groove and exudes hopeful energy with a hook that proclaims, “We need more Lennons, Lincolns, more Kennedys, and Kings/Lord could you send somebody to help us?/Someone to help us with a dream.” This version of the song also features a bonus verse from rapper Keith Murray (a version without the rap will also appear on Perfect Union).
“Pursuit of Happiness...
- 7/6/2021
- by Jon Blistein
- Rollingstone.com
Singer and composer Ronald "Khalis" Bell, one of the founder members of Kool and the Gang, has died at the age of 68.
Ronald Bell a self taught musician wrote and composed some of Kool & the Gang's biggest songs including “Celebration,” “Cherish,” “Jungle Boogie” and “Summer Madness." Bell and his big brother Robert, known professionally as “Kool”
As reported Bell passed away Wednesday morning at his home in the U.S. Virgin Islands.
The video of the song "Celebration"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3GwjfUFyY6M
May his soul Rip...
Ronald Bell a self taught musician wrote and composed some of Kool & the Gang's biggest songs including “Celebration,” “Cherish,” “Jungle Boogie” and “Summer Madness." Bell and his big brother Robert, known professionally as “Kool”
As reported Bell passed away Wednesday morning at his home in the U.S. Virgin Islands.
The video of the song "Celebration"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3GwjfUFyY6M
May his soul Rip...
- 9/10/2020
- by Glamsham Editorial
- GlamSham
Ronald “Khalis” Bell, the singer, songwriter and saxophonist whose group Kool & the Gang became one of the most celebrated and musically eclectic funk bands in the 1970s and beyond, died Wednesday at his U.S. Virgin Islands home at the age of 68, a rep confirmed to Rolling Stone. A cause of death was not disclosed.
Over the course of 23 albums, starting with 1969’s Kool and the Gang through the 2013 Christmas album Kool for the Holidays, the band morphed from upstart jazz unit to chart-topping funk-soul ensemble to smooth pop group...
Over the course of 23 albums, starting with 1969’s Kool and the Gang through the 2013 Christmas album Kool for the Holidays, the band morphed from upstart jazz unit to chart-topping funk-soul ensemble to smooth pop group...
- 9/9/2020
- by Jason Newman
- Rollingstone.com
Ronald “Khalis” Bell, a co-founder and singer of Kool & the Gang who also wrote some of the group’s biggest hits, has died Wednesday morning at age 68. Bell died at his home in the U.S. Virgin Islands, according to publicist Sujata Murthy. No cause of death was released.
Kool & the Gang was formed in 1964 in Jersey City, NJ, by brothers Robert “Kool” Bell and Ronald “Khalis” Bell. They were joined by Dennis “D.T.” Thomas, Robert “Spike” Mickens, Charles Smith, George Brown, and Ricky West. The band released its debut album in 1970 and became one of the big acts of the decade, powered by hits like “Jungle Boogie” and Hollywood Swingin’ and “Celebration.”
The group won a Grammy in 1978 for their work on the soundtrack for Saturday Night Fever, which has sold more than 16 million copies in the U.S. alone. Kool & the Gang’s song “Open Sesame” also was featured in the movie.
Kool & the Gang was formed in 1964 in Jersey City, NJ, by brothers Robert “Kool” Bell and Ronald “Khalis” Bell. They were joined by Dennis “D.T.” Thomas, Robert “Spike” Mickens, Charles Smith, George Brown, and Ricky West. The band released its debut album in 1970 and became one of the big acts of the decade, powered by hits like “Jungle Boogie” and Hollywood Swingin’ and “Celebration.”
The group won a Grammy in 1978 for their work on the soundtrack for Saturday Night Fever, which has sold more than 16 million copies in the U.S. alone. Kool & the Gang’s song “Open Sesame” also was featured in the movie.
- 9/9/2020
- by Bruce Haring
- Deadline Film + TV
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