Ronald Bell (musician) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Ronald Bell
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Bell in 2019
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | Ronald Nathan Bell |
| Also known as | Khalis Bayyan |
| Born | November 1, 1951 Youngstown, Ohio, U.S. |
| Origin | West Orange, New Jersey, U.S. |
| Died | September 9, 2020 (aged 68) United States Virgin Islands |
| Genres | Classical, jazz, funk, R&B |
| Occupation(s) | Composer, singer, songwriter, arranger, producer |
| Instruments | Saxophone, vocals |
| Years active | 1964–2020 |
| Associated acts | Kool & the Gang |
Ronald Nathan Bell (born November 1, 1951 – died September 9, 2020) was a very talented American musician. He was also known as Khalis Bayyan. Ronald was a composer, singer, songwriter, and played the saxophone. He was one of the people who started the famous band Kool & the Gang.
Kool & the Gang had many hit songs. They had nine number one R&B songs in the 1970s and 1980s. Their song "Celebration" was a huge pop hit. The band is honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. They were also added to the Songwriters Hall of Fame because of their amazing music.
Contents
Early Life and Music Beginnings
Ronald Bell was born in Youngstown, Ohio. His mother was Aminah Bayyan and his father was Robert "Bobby" Bell. His father was a professional boxer. He even won the Golden Gloves amateur boxing award. While training, his father met famous jazz musicians like Miles Davis and Thelonious Monk. They lived in the same apartment building.
Ronald and his brother, Robert "Kool" Bell, started listening to jazz music when they were very young. In 1960, their family moved to Jersey City, New Jersey. In 1964, the brothers and their friends decided to form a band. They wanted to mix jazz, soul, and funk music.
How the Band Got Its Name
The band had a few different names at first. They started as "The Jazziacs." Then they were called the New Dimensions, the Soul Town Band, and Kool & the Flames. Finally, in 1968, they chose the name Kool & the Gang. This name stuck, and they became very famous.
Ronald Bell's Music Career
Ronald Bell was a key part of Kool & the Gang's success. He wrote, arranged, produced, and performed many of their most popular songs. He taught himself how to play music. His unique sound was a big part of the band's music. You can hear his style in the horn parts, bass lines, synthesizer sounds, and vocals.
Famous Songs He Wrote
Ronald wrote and produced many of Kool & the Gang's biggest hits. Some of these include:
- "Celebration"
- "Cherish"
- "Jungle Boogie"
- "Summer Madness"
- "Open Sesame"
He once said that "Celebration" was his favorite song. He wrote it after reading a passage from the Quran.
Personal Life
In 1972, Ronald Bell became a Muslim. He joined The Nation of Islam. He was given the name Khalis Bayyan by Imam Warith Deen Mohammed. Ronald was married to Tia Sinclair Bell. He had 10 children. His son, Rachid, also became a musician and released his first album in 1998.
His Passing
Ronald Bell passed away at his home in the United States Virgin Islands. He died on September 9, 2020, when he was 68 years old. His death was sudden.
See also
In Spanish: Ronald Bell para niños
- Kool & the Gang discography
