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Kool & the Gang co-founder Ronald “Khalis” Bell, who was credited as a writer and producer on the group’s biggest hits — among them: 1980’s “Celebration” and 1985’s “Cherish” — died Wednesday Sept. 9 at his home in the U.S. Virgin Islands, his wife and agent Tia Sinclair Bell said in a statement on Sept. 10. He was 68. The cause of death has not been revealed.

Bell was a driving force behind Kool & the Gang, composing, arranging, producing and performing with the group which saw success in multiple decades over 50 years. In addition to the aforementioned earworms of our time, other hits by the band included “Get Down On It” and “Fresh.”

In 1964, Bell and his brother Robert “Kool” formed a band with Dennis “D.T.” Thomas, Robert “Spike” Mickens, Charles Smith, George Brown, and Ricky West. They went through several iterations as the Jazziacs, The New Dimensions, The Soul Town Band, Kool & the Flames before Kool & the Gang was launched blending jazz, soul and funk sounds.

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Ronald ‘Khalis’ Bell, Co-Founder of Kool & the Gang, Dies at 68

Kool and the Gang circa 1970s.

Ronald Bell, also known as Khalis Bayyan and the co-founder of Kool & the Gang with his brother Robert “Kool” Bell, died suddenly Wednesday morning (Sept. 9) at his home in the U.S. Virgin Islands, according to a statement from his publicist. He was 68.

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He is survived by his wife Tia Sinclair Bell; 10 children Kahdijah, Rasheed, Nadirah, Liza, Maryam, Aminah, Jennah, Khalis, Asia and James; grandchildren; brothers Robert Bell, Wahid Bayyan, Amir Bayyan, and his sister Sharifah Bayyan; and his Kool & the Gang band brothers Thomas and Brown among others. The family will hold a private funeral service, and they ask in lieu of flowers that fans support the Boys and Girls Club of America.

"Music Is The Message" LP was one of the first albums i ever borrowed from anyone...my sister's boyfriend used to play the 8track in his Dodge Super Bee all the time and i had to have it...

"Soul Vibrations" is/was the funkiest shit i had ever heard at that time... Khalis had the epic sax solo on thet joint..

RIP Khalis Bayyan

[Edited 9/11/20 6:51am]

I used to love "Cherish" (shocked a little!) RIP.

Emergency is my favorite album from them, front to back. "Celebration" brings back middle school vibes. We couldn't play it enough. I remember "Get Down On It" on a K-Tel album somewhere that I owned. "Ladies Night" was all over the radio. So many great memories around the band and their music.

One of my childhood's favorite bands, so many great hits! May Ronald rest in peace...

RJOrion said:

"Music Is The Message" LP was one of the first albums i ever borrowed from anyone...my sister's boyfriend used to play the 8track in his Dodge Super Bee all the time and i had to have it...

"Soul Vibrations" is/was the funkiest shit i had ever heard at that time... Khalis had the epic sax solo on thet joint..

RIP Khalis Bayyan

[Edited 9/11/20 6:51am]

I may have to check that one out. Otherwise, Wild And Peaceful is/was my joint. RIP Khalis.

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RIP.

Always loved Kool & The Gang.

Still do actually.

Theyr music always make me happy.

Will play an album tonight as a tribute.

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Did they ever cross paths with Prince ?

In any way ?

just wondering.

We kall know that Kid Creole did.

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My graduation yearbook said I wanted to be in the band. :oof: Rest in peace!

CoolMF said:

RIP.

He had the Funk.

CoolMF said:

RJOrion said:

"Music Is The Message" LP was one of the first albums i ever borrowed from anyone...my sister's boyfriend used to play the 8track in his Dodge Super Bee all the time and i had to have it...

"Soul Vibrations" is/was the funkiest shit i had ever heard at that time... Khalis had the epic sax solo on thet joint..

RIP Khalis Bayyan

[Edited 9/11/20 6:51am]

I may have to check that one out. Otherwise, Wild And Peaceful is/was my joint. RIP Khalis.

Yep, 'Wild & Peaceful' was their best.

Damn.

R.I.P.