Obit: Claydes Charles Smith(aka Charles Smith)@57, founder of "Kool & the Gang"

[CrankyYankee]

Obit: Claydes Charles Smith(aka Charles Smith)@57, founder of "Kool & the Gang"

Claydes Charles Smith, a founder and the lead guitarist of the group Kool and the Gang, died on Tuesday in Maplewood, N.J. He was 57.

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

Mr. Smith, who was known as Charles Smith, wrote the hits "Joanna" and "Take My Heart" and was a co-writer of others, including "Celebration," "Hollywood Swinging" and "Jungle Boogie."

Illness forced Mr. Smith to stop touring with the group in January.

http://www.nytimes.com/2006/06/23/arts/music/23smith.html?pagewanted=print

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[lazur]

Re: Obit: Claydes Charles Smith(aka Charles Smith)@57, founder of "Kool & the Gang"

Although rarely known by his name, "Kool and the Gang" 's Charles Smith is one the founders of modern rhythm guitar, along with such legends as Curtis Mayfield and The James Brown Band's Jimmy Nolen. What began as funk has expanded to spice up hip-hop, blues, pop, and rock music. His funky rhythm/lead hybrid style can be heard most clearly in much of Prince's rhythm work, in the blues stylings of Chico Banks' chords , and in much of James Williamson's work with Iggy Pop.

 

[apco25]

Re: Obit: Claydes Charles Smith(aka Charles Smith)@57, founder of "Kool & the Gang"

Although rarely known by his name, "Kool and the Gang" 's Charles Smith is one the founders of modern rhythm guitar, along with such legends as Curtis Mayfield and The James Brown Band's Jimmy Nolen. What began as funk has expanded to spice up hip-hop, blues, pop, and rock music. His funky rhythm/lead hybrid style can be heard most clearly in much of Prince's rhythm work, in the blues stylings of Chico Banks' chords , and in much of James Williamson's work with Iggy Pop.

They actually had the first rap hook flavored influential mainstream hit single in "Jungle Boogie" in 1974.