Robert "Kool" Bell facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Robert "Kool" Bell |
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Bell in 2011
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | Robert Earl Bell |
| Also known as | Kool Muhammad Bayyan |
| Born | October 8, 1950 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 |
Robert Earl "Kool" Bell was born on October 8, 1950. He is also known as Muhammad Bayyan. Robert Bell is an American musician, singer, and songwriter. He is famous for being a founding member of the band Kool & the Gang. This band plays R&B, soul, funk, and disco music. As of 2025, he is the only original member still with the band.
Contents
About Robert "Kool" Bell
Early Life and Nickname
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 started calling him "Kool." This nickname stuck because he was a calm and relaxed person. He once said it was a nickname from his neighborhood.
Forming Kool & the Gang
Robert and his brother, Ronald Bell, loved playing jazz music. In 1964, they decided to start their own group. They called themselves The Jazziacs at first. The band played in clubs around New York City. They tried out a few different names for their group. Finally, in 1968, they chose the name Kool & the Gang.
Their first album, Kool and the Gang, came out in 1969. The band had their first big hit song in 1973. It was called "Jungle Boogie". This song became very popular. Their first song to reach number one was "Spirit of the Boogie" in 1975.
Achievements and Awards
Robert Bell, along with other Kool & the Gang members, joined a special group in 1984. This group was called Band Aid. They made music to help raise money for charity.
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 award for their 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 also earned 31 gold and platinum albums. This means their albums sold a lot of copies.
Kool & the Gang has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. They were also added to the Songwriters Hall of Fame. This honors them for writing so many great songs. Robert Bell continues to perform with Kool & the Gang today. In 2024, Robert Bell and Kool & the Gang were chosen to join the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Family Life
Robert Bell's younger brother, Ronald Bell, was also a musician. He helped Robert start Kool & the Gang in 1964. Both brothers became followers of Islam in 1972. Ronald passed away on September 9, 2020.
Robert married Deborah Jones in 1971. They had known each other since they were teenagers. Deborah passed away on November 4, 2018, at the age of 67. She had been ill for a long time. Robert and Deborah had two sons together. One of their sons has even worked with Kool & the Gang.
Music Albums
Robert Bell has been part of many albums with Kool & the Gang. Here are some of their studio albums:
| Year | Album |
|---|---|
| 1969 | Kool and the Gang |
| 1972 | Music Is the Message |
| Good Times | |
| 1973 | Wild and Peaceful |
| 1974 | Light of Worlds |
| 1975 | Spirit of the Boogie |
| 1976 | Love & Understanding |
| Open Sesame | |
| 1977 | The Force |
| 1978 | Everybody's Dancin' |
| 1979 | Ladies' Night |
| 1980 | Celebrate! |
| 1981 | Something Special |
| 1982 | As One |
| 1983 | In the Heart |
| 1984 | Emergency |
| 1986 | Forever |
| 1989 | Sweat |
| 1992 | Unite |
| 1996 | State of Affairs |
| 2001 | Gangland |
| 2004 | The Hits: Reloaded |
| 2007 | Still Kool |
| 2013 | Kool for the Holidays |
| 2021 | Perfect Union |
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
