Kool & the Gang co-founder Dennis Thomas dead at age 70
Source: AP
NEW YORK (AP) — Dennis “Dee Tee” Thomas, a founding member of the long-running soul-funk band Kool & the Gang known for such hits as “Celebration” and “Get Down On It,” has died. He was 70.
He died peacefully in his sleep Saturday in New Jersey, where he was a resident of Montclair, according to a statement from his representative.
Thomas was the alto sax player, flutist and percussionist. He served as master of ceremonies at the band’s shows. His last appearance with the group was July Fourth at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles.
Born Feb. 9, 1951, in Orlando, Florida, Thomas was known for his prologue on the band’s 1971 hit, “Who’s Gonna Take the Weight.” Known for his hip clothes and hats, he was also the group’s wardrobe stylist. In the early days, he served as their “budget hawk,” carrying their earnings in a paper bag stuffed into the bell of his horn, the statement said.
FILE - In this Aug. 3, 2008 file photo, Dennis Thomas performs with the band "Kool and the Gang" in concert in Bethlehem, Pa. Dennis “Dee Tee” Thomas, a founding member of the long-running soul-funk band Kool & the Gang, has died. Thomas died peacefully in his sleep Saturday, Aug. 7, 2021 in New Jersey, where he was a resident of Montclair.(Joe Gill/The Express-Times via AP)
Read more: https://apnews.com/article/lifestyle-entertainment-music-arts-and-entertainment-6d8e81b4ec72e00aa8a50a6d4827a245
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to so many of life's better moments.
RIP
You were really Cool.
and they are playing this right now -
(and your little guy is dancing on beat
)
Going out on top.
Thanks for the music. 
Literally the very first 45 that I bought with my own $$ was this -
Damn.
R.I.P. and thank you for contributing to some iconic music that crossed all sorts of genres.
Was just listening to that before I saw your post.
As the eras changed, their music changed - particularly when they hit the '80s.
Before that, they were doing more funk (ETA - and jazz).
It's Saddity night, so let's
May Dee Tee rest in peace.
I remember seeing them live back in the 1980s at the Kool Jazz Festival in San Diego, was a great show.
R-I-P Dennis
