Kool and the Gang Co-Founder Ronald Bell passes away at 68

Ronald Bell, the singer, songwriter and saxophonist whose group Kool and the Gang became one of the most celebrated funk bands of the 1970s and beyond, has died. He was 68.

Death details for Ronald Bell

Bell died at his home in the U.S. Virgin Islands Wednesday morning with his wife beside him, publicist Sujata Murthy said. However, officials have not released the cause of death.

Music career

Kool and the Gang grew from jazz roots in the 1960s and quickly gained attention. Soon after, the band blended jazz, funk, R&B and pop to create a bold new sound. Later, after a brief downturn, the group returned to major success in the 1980s.

Kool and the Gang

Bell formed the group with his brother Robert “Kool” Bell and neighborhood friends Dennis “D.T.” Thomas, Robert “Spike” Mickens, Charles Smith, George Brown and Ricky West. Soon afterward, the band built a loyal following.

Kool and the Gang won a Grammy in 1978 for the “Saturday Night Fever” soundtrack. Later, the group earned a BET Soul Train Lifetime Achievement Award in 2014 and entered the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2018.

As a self‑taught musician, Bell shaped his signature sound with horn lines, bass and synthesizer. Because of that style, the band influenced generations of artists.

Producer and arranger

In addition to his work with Kool & the Gang, Ronald Bell also served as a producer and arranger for artists including the Fugees, Jimmy Cliff, House of Pain, Phillip Glass and Rachid. Furthermore, he often guided younger musicians as they developed their sound.

At the time of his death, he was working on several collaborations. He was also building a solo project called the Kool Baby Brotha Band. Additionally, he was creating a series of animated shorts about his life titled Kool TV. Through these projects, he continued expanding his creative reach.

He is survived by his 10 children, his four siblings and his wife, Tia Sinclair Bell.