Robert "Kool" Bell facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Robert "Kool" Bell
Bell in 2011
Background information
Birth name	Robert Earl Bell
Also known as	Kool Muhammad Bayyan
Born	(1950-10-08) October 8, 1950 (age 74) Youngstown, Ohio, U.S.
Genres	Jazz, R&B, soul, funk, dance-pop, disco, boogie
Occupation(s)	Musician, singer, songwriter
Instruments	Bass guitar, vocals
Years active	1964–present
Labels	De-Lite, Mercury
Associated acts	Kool & the Gang

Robert Earl "Kool" Bell, born on October 8, 1950, is an American musician, singer, and songwriter. He is also known as Muhammad Bayyan. Robert Bell is a founding member of the famous band Kool & the Gang. This band plays R&B, soul, funk, and disco music. He is the last original member still with the group.

Robert Bell's Early Life

Robert Bell was born in Youngstown, Ohio. His parents were Aminah Bayyan and Robert "Bobby" Bell. He grew up in Jersey City, New Jersey. When he was young, people called him "Kool." This nickname came from his neighborhood. He said he was "laid back," which means he was calm and relaxed.

That's a nickname from the neighborhood I grew up in here in Jersey City. It's a faddish thing and I just happened to take the name Kool 'cause I'm kind of a laid back person.

Kool & The Gang's Journey

Robert Bell and his brother, Ronald Bell, loved playing jazz music. In 1964, they started a group called The Jazziacs. They played in clubs around New York City. Over time, they used different band names. In 1968, they finally chose the name Kool & the Gang.

Their first album, Kool and the Gang, came out in 1969. The band had their first big hit in 1973 with "Jungle Boogie". This song reached number four on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Their first song to hit number one was "Spirit of the Boogie" in 1975.

In 1984, Robert Bell joined a special group called Band Aid. This group was made up of many famous musicians. They came together to record a song for charity. Other Kool & the Gang members, James "J.T." Taylor and Dennis Thomas, also joined.

Awards and Achievements

Kool & the Gang has won many awards for their music. They have won two Grammy Awards. They also have seven American Music Awards. In 2006, they received a special Chairman's Award. This award was for their great artistic achievements.

The band had nine number one R&B songs in the 1970s and 1980s. Their song "Celebration" was a number one pop hit. They have 25 Top Ten R&B hits and nine Top Ten Pop hits. Also, 31 of their albums have gone gold or platinum.

Kool & the Gang has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. They were also added to the Songwriters Hall of Fame. Robert Bell still tours and performs with Kool & the Gang today. In 2024, Robert Bell was chosen to join the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. He was inducted as a member of Kool & the Gang.

Robert Bell's Personal Life

Robert Bell's younger brother, Ronald Bell, was also a musician. He helped Robert start the band in 1964. Both brothers became followers of Islam in 1972. Ronald passed away on September 9, 2020.

In 1971, Robert married Deborah Jones. They had known each other since they were teenagers. Deborah passed away on November 4, 2018, at age 67. She had been ill for a long time. Robert and Deborah had a son together. Their son has also worked with Kool & the Gang.

Discography

Studio Albums

See also

In Spanish: Robert Bell para niños

• List of people from Youngstown, Ohio
• List of people from Jersey City, New Jersey
• Kool & the Gang