When Kool and the Gang Ruled The World

From 1980 to 1984, Kool and the Gang were one of the biggest crossover acts in all of music. What? Kool and the Gang? Although it seems odd now, Kool and the Gang were a veritable hit machine powered by undeniable songs like “Celebration,” “Cherish” and “Fresh.” While the band made it look easy, there was little or nothing to suggest such a breadth of hits or staying power on the charts.

At their best, the early versions of Kool and The Gang seemed a bit pedestrian in comparison to their counterparts. Formed in New Jersey in 1964, the core members included Robert “Kool” Bell (bass), Ricky Bell (keyboard) Dennis D.T. Thomas (saxophone), George Smith (guitar) and George Brown (drums.) By 1969, the road-tested and increasingly popular band called themselves Kool and the Gang. In the same year the band signed to De-Lite Records, a second-tier, R&B label and shortly after De-Lite signed on with Pickwick International, a company known for budget packaging from popular artists.