Dennis D.T. Thomas, a founding member of American band Kool & the Gang, formed in New Jersey, and is known for such hits as ‘Get Down On It’ and ‘Celebration’ has died. He was 70.
As per the statement, the actor and music composer died peacefully in his sleep on Saturday in Montclair, New Jersey. Dennis’s last appearance with the group at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles.
Born Feb 9, 1951, in Orlando, Florida, Thomas was known for his hip clothes and hats, was one of the seven Jersey City teens who got together in 1964 to form the instrumental soul-jazz group the Jazziacs.
The band included brothers Ronald Bell and Robert ‘Kool’ Bell, and friends Dennis Thomas, Ricky Westfield, Spike Mickens, George Brown, and Charles Smith. After edging their craft and trying different names, the friends officially launched Kool & the Gang in 1969.
Ronald Bell passed away at the age of 68, on September 9, 2020, at his home in the U.S. Virgin Islands. The band has bagged two Grammy Awards and seven American Music Awards. In 2014, they were honored with a Soul Train Lifetime Achievement Award.
Thomas is survived by are his wife, Phynjuar Saunders Thomas, daughter Tuesday Rankin and sons Devin Thomas and David Thomas.
“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,” a statement posted on the band’s Facebook page.
Also Read: Yo Yo Honey Singh breaks silence on wife’s allegations of domestic violence
