Kool & the Gang co-founder Ronald ‘Khalis’ Bell dies at 68

[Y2kTheNewOldies]

https://apnews.com/cb2f20d512c38046f669974fa0ea056a

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Ronald “Khalis” Bell, a co-founder, singer and producer of the group Kool & the Gang, has died. He was 68.

Bell died at his home in the U.S. Virgin Islands Wednesday morning with his wife by his side, publicist Sujata Murthy said. The cause of death has not been released.

Kool & the Gang grew from jazz roots in the 1960s to become one of the major groups of the 1970s, blending jazz, funk, R&B and pop. After a brief downturn, the group enjoyed a return to stardom in the ’80s.

Bell started the group with his brother Robert “Kool” Bell along with neighborhood friends Dennis “D.T.” Thomas, Robert “Spike” Mickens, Charles Smith, George Brown and Ricky West.

RIP to a legend and as one of the leaders of Kool and the Gang.

 

[radioman148]

Loved their music. RIP!

 

[TheBigA]

The entire band wrote their hit "Celebration." I was reading an interview with Ronald Bell about the inspiration, and he begins by saying, "The idea came from the Koran. I was reading the passage, where God was creating Adam, and the angels were celebrating and singing praises. That inspired me to write the basic chords, the line, 'Everyone around the world, come on, celebration" Think about that the next time you hear that song. Not exactly what one might think as the inspiration to a party song.