Kool & The Gang Founding Member Dennis Thomas Dies Aged 70
Monday, 09 August 2021
Written by Jon Stickler
Dennis "Dee Tee" Thomas, a founding member of Kool & The Gang, has died aged 70.
A statement from a spokesperson confirmed that the saxophone player, flautist and percussionist died peacefully in his sleep on Saturday (August 7) at his home in Montclair, New Jersey. His bandmates paid tribute to him in a sizeable Facebook statement, part of which said:
"An original member of Kool & the Gang, Dennis was known as the quintessential cool cat in the group, loved for his hip clothes and hats, and his laid-back demeanor. A huge personality while also an extremely private person, Dennis was the alto saxophone player, flutist, percussionist as well as master of ceremonies at the band’s shows. Dennis' prologue featured on the groups 1971 hit, Who’s Gonna Take the Weight is legendary and an example of his showmanship. Dee Tee was the group’s wardrobe stylist who made sure they always looked fresh. In the band’s early days, Dennis also served as the "budget hawk", carrying the group’s earnings in a paper bag in the bell of his horn."
Thomas co-founded the long-running Grammy Award-winning soul and funk group in 1964 along with Robert "Kool" Bell, his brother Ronald — who died in 2020 — and four other friends; Robert Mickens, Charles Smith, George Brown and Ricky Westfield. His last performance with the group was on July 4 at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles.
They're best known for the huge hits Jungle Boogie, Celebration, Ladies' Night, Cherish, and Get Down On It.
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