Kool & The Gang facts for kids

Kool & the Gang
Kool & The Gang
Background information
Origin	Jersey City, New Jersey, U.S.
Genres	Jazz Funk Soul Disco Boogie Dance-pop Contemporary R&B
Years active	1969–present
Labels	De-Lite, Mercury
Members	Robert "Kool" Bell Ronald Bell (Khalis Bayyan) George Brown Dennis Thomas Clifford Adams Sonnie "Skip" Martin Shawn McQuiller Rodney Ellis Jirmad Gordon and Curtis "Fitz" Williams
Past members	James "J.T." Taylor Rick Westfield (deceased) Claydes Charles Smith (deceased) Robert "Spike" Mickens (deceased)

Kool & the Gang is a super famous American music group. They are from Jersey City, New Jersey, U.S.. The band started way back in 1964. They are known for mixing different kinds of music. These styles include jazz, funk, soul, and disco.

The group has been making music for a long time, since 1969! They have created many hit songs that people still love today.

How Kool & the Gang Started

The band first formed in 1964. Back then, they were a jazz band called The Jazziacs. They worked hard and practiced a lot.

In 1969, they signed with a record company called De-Lite Records. This was a big step for them. They released their first album, which was named after the band itself.

Their Music Style Changes

In the late 1970s, Kool & the Gang changed their sound. They moved from pure deep funk music to disco. This change made them even more popular. Their new sound helped them reach a wider audience.

Meet the Band Members

The band has had many talented members over the years. Some of the current members include Robert "Kool" Bell, Ronald Bell, George Brown, and Dennis Thomas.

Other important members have included Clifford Adams, Sonnie "Skip" Martin, Shawn McQuiller, Rodney Ellis, Jirmad Gordon, and Curtis "Fitz" Williams. James "J.T." Taylor was also a key singer for the group.

Famous Songs and Albums

Kool & the Gang has released many popular songs and albums. One of their songs, "Jungle Boogie," was even featured in the 1994 movie Pulp Fiction.

Hit Albums

• 1975: Spirit of the Boogie (This album reached number 48 on the U.S. music charts.)
• 1979: Ladies Night (It reached number 13 in the U.S.)
• 1981: Something Special (This album was very popular, reaching number 12 in the U.S. and number 10 in the UK.)
• 1983: In The Heart (It reached number 29 in the U.S. and number 18 in the UK.)
• 1984: Emergency (This album reached number 13 in the U.S.)

Popular Songs

• 1974: "Jungle Boogie" (This song was a huge hit, reaching number 4 in the U.S. and number 2 on the U.S. R&B charts.)
• 1979: "Ladies' Night" (It reached number 8 in the U.S., number 1 on the U.S. R&B charts, and number 9 in the UK.)
• 1980: "Celebration" (This was a massive hit, reaching number 1 in the U.S. and on the U.S. R&B charts, and number 7 in the UK.)
• 1981: "Get Down On It" (It reached number 10 in the U.S., number 4 on the U.S. R&B charts, and number 3 in the UK.)
• 1982: "Hi-De-Hi, Hi-De-Ho" (This song reached number 29 in the UK.)
• 1984: "Tonight" (It reached number 13 in the U.S. and number 1 on the U.S. R&B charts.)
• 1985: "Fresh" (This song reached number 9 in the U.S., number 1 on the U.S. R&B charts, and number 11 in the UK.)

Images for kids

• 

  Kool & the Gang worked with Brazilian producer Eumir Deodato on four albums.

See also

In Spanish: Kool & the Gang para niños