In November, the band will tour South Africa with the Earth, Wind and Fire Experience in Gauteng and Cape Town.
Kool & the Gang is more than just a band that has a string of hit songs. They are the soundtrack for generations. With a career spanning 60 years, two Grammy Awards, 25 Top 10 R&B hits, and an incredible influence as the most sampled R&B band of all time, they're as familiar as longtime lovers. We have created music that is unique. Their songs have been used at celebrations around the world, from weddings and reunions to late-night boogies.
In November, the band will tour South Africa with the Earth, Wind and Fire Experience in Gauteng and Cape Town.
“We’re really looking forward to coming to South Africa,” said founding member and bassist Robert “Cool” Bell. “You'll hear hits from the '70s and '80s, songs that people still dance to today, from Jungle Boogie and Ladies Night to Get Down on It and, of course, Celebration,” he said. Said.
Excited about traveling to SA
It all started in 1964 with a group of jazz-loving teenagers from New Jersey who first called themselves The Jazziacs. Together they developed a sound that combined jazz, funk, and soul in a way never heard before.
“In the early days, we operated under several names,” Bell said. “First we were The Jazziacs, then Kool & The Flames, but James Brown had The Famous Flames, and we didn't want any trouble with The Godfather.” So they finally settled on Kool & the Gang. In 1969, they officially launched what would become one of the most timeless bands in music history.
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Four years after they became Kool & the Gang, their 1973 album Wild & Peaceful produced the hits “Hollywood Swinging” and “Jungle Boogie.” From the moment they hit the charts, they were unstoppable and their influence in music only grew. They had hit after hit and won award after award. But according to Bell, the only bit of recognition they had always hoped for was induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame earlier this year.
“We've played with everyone from Elton John to Van Halen, and we always wondered when we'd get a little love. It felt so good to finally do it. Despite this honor, he noted the absence of several founding members who have since passed away. “It's bittersweet because we all wanted to be in the Hall of Fame together, but it means a lot to me especially my brother and I because we're from Ohio, where the Hall of Fame is.”
Hall of Fame Highlights
Admiration aside, being sampled and having a major musical impact is probably the best compliment anyone can give an artist. Kool & the Gang's influence extends beyond their own hits. They are one of hip-hop's most sampled bands, and their beats and horn riffs influence music today. Their tones can be heard on tracks by artists such as Jay-Z, Madonna, Janet Jackson, and the Beastie Boys. Bell considers that the ultimate compliment. “Hip-hop just celebrated its 50th anniversary, and our music is all over it. It's great to know that our sound still influences artists,” he said. Ta. “It’s amazing how people continue to fall in love with this work for generations.”
Versatility was a big part of the band's staying power and chart ability. “I can play jazz, I can play funk, I can play soul, I can play symphony,” Bell said. “Our product line has been a gift and has brought us many opportunities. That's why we're still here.”
However, these days, as computers create music, producers often hold the cards. Bell said he worries that technology will overshadow the artistry of live music. “It's no longer just about guitars and drums. Technology has changed things so much that we risk losing musicians,” he said. “When we play live, we play that sound, and that's Kool & the Gang. We bring authentic music to audiences around the world.”
“We bring real music to the audience.”
Throughout their career, the band has used their influence to bring about change. Bell's memorable performance was at a benefit concert for AIDS awareness in Nigeria, where she performed with African music legends like Miriam Makeba in front of a large crowd. “We have rallied 500,000 people to spread the message 'No gloves, no love,'” he said. The event was part of a larger effort to raise awareness across Africa, especially among young audiences. It's something Bell remains passionate about.
Bell is looking forward to reuniting with his South African fans at Cape Town's Grand West Arena on November 28th and Pretoria's Sunbet Arena on November 30th. “It's going to be a party and we can't wait to bring it to South Africa,” Bell said.
Tickets can be purchased from Ticketmaster.
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