Kool & The Gang founding member Ronald Bell has passed away at the age of 68. Bell spent his last days surrounded by family and friends at his home in the Virgin Islands.
Throughout his career, Bell cemented himself as a legend within jazz, funk and R&B. He is credited as the lead writer on the group’s biggest hit, “Celebration.” He also contributed to timeless records like “Ladies’ Night and “Jungle Boogie.” Kool & The Gang also has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and was inducted in to the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2018.
Outside of music, Bell was married to his wife, Sinclair, for 26 years. He is survived by his three brothers, Wahid Bayyan, Amir Bayyan and Sharifah Bayyan. He also leaves behind ten children and three grandchildren.
His family has not shared Bell’s cause of death.
