Kool & the Gang’s Dennis ‘Dee Tee’ has died aged 70

Musician Dennis “Dee Tee” Thomas, founding member of “Get Down On It” and “Celebration” Kool & the Gang, has died at the age of 70. An official statement posted on the soul and funk group’s Facebook page was announced on August 7 that he “passed away peacefully in his sleep” in New Jersey. No cause was given. Thomas founded Kool & the Gang in 1964 with brothers Robert “Kool” and Ronald “Khalis” Bell, as well as Robert “Spike” Mickens, Charles Smith, George Brown and Ricky West. Over the decades, Kool & the Gang have released 24 studio albums, won two Grammys and released several US Billboard singles such as “Ladies’ Night”. In 2020, “Celebration” was listed in the National Registry of Recordings at the Library of Congress.

Thomas was the group’s alto saxophonist, flautist and MC during their high-energy live performances. He “was known as the quintessential cool cat of the group, loved for his trendy clothes and hats, and his laid back demeanor,” according to the Facebook statement. Recently, Thomas performed with Kool & the Gang at a July 4th concert at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles. It was his last gig with the band. News of Thomas’ death comes nearly a year after his bandmate, co-founding member and singer Ronald “Khalis” Bell passed away at the age of 68. Thomas is survived by his wife, children, siblings and “a host of nieces, nephews, and grandchildren.