Scoreload

American band renowned for pioneering funk, soul, and disco music, with global hits spanning five decades.Formed in Jersey City, New Jersey. Released 23 studio albums, won two Grammy Awards, and sold over 70 million records worldwide. Key members included Robert 'Kool' Bell, Ronald Bell, George Brown, and James 'J.T.' Taylor. Inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2018.

• Originally named The Jazziacs, later The Soul Town Band, before settling on Kool & the Gang in 1969.
• Faced internal tensions when lead singer James 'J.T.' Taylor left in 1988; he returned briefly in 1995 but departed again over creative differences.
• Founding member Ronald 'Khalis' Bell died suddenly in the U.S. Virgin Islands on September 9, 2020, at age 68. His death was attributed to an undisclosed illness.
• Their song 'Celebration' became a cultural anthem, used at NASA missions, sports events, and political rallies, despite initial band skepticism about its commercial potential.