Ronald "Khalis"Ā Bell, the co-founder of legendary musicĀ group Kool & the Gang, has died at the age of 68.
His publicist Sujata MurthyĀ confirmed the news in a statement to the New York Post,Ā stating Bell had died Wednesday at his home in the U.S. Virgin Islands with his wife,Ā Tia Sinclair Bell, by his side.Ā The cause of death has not been revealed.Ā
Bell and his brotherĀ Robert "Kool" Bell formed aĀ jazz instrumental group called the JazziacsĀ in the mid-1960s. The group would expand into otherĀ genres in the following years, eventually becoming the funk/soul band Kool & and the Gang. The outfit released their self-titled debut album in 1970 and would go on to deliver a number of classic likeĀ "Cherish," "Summer Madness," "Get Down on It," "Jungle Boogie," and their biggest hit, "Celebration."
During his time with Kool & the Gang, Bell received a number of awards, including two Grammys, theĀ Soul Train Legend Award, and seven American Music Awards. He and his fellow members were alsoĀ inducted intoĀ the New Jersey Hall of Fame as well asĀ the Songwriters Hall of Fame.
Bell is survived by his wife, 10 children, grandchildren, as well as his brothersāRobert "KoolāĀ Bell, Wahid Bayyan, and Amir Bayyanāand his sister, Sharifah Bayyan.
You can read some of the tributes to Bell below.
RIP #RonaldBell , Thank you for the music. š Kool & The Gang are one my favourite bands ever, and Iāll continue to listen daily š#koolandthegang
