NEW YORK — Dennis “Dee Tee” Thomas, an establishing individual from the long-running soul-funk band Kool and the Gang referred to for such hits as “Festivity” and “Get Down On It,” has passed on. He was 70.
He passed on calmly in his rest Saturday in New Jersey, where he was an occupant of Montclair, as per an assertion from his delegate.
Thomas was the alto sax player, flute player and percussionist. He filled in as speaker at the band’s shows. His last appearance with the gathering was July Fourth at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles. Conceived Feb. 9, 1951, in Orlando, Fla., Thomas was known for his introduction on the band’s 1971 hit, “Who’s Gonna Take the Weight.” Known for his hip garments and caps, he was likewise the gathering’s closet beautician. In the good ‘ol days, he filled in as their “spending bird of prey,” conveying their profit in a paper pack stuffed into the chime of his horn, the assertion said.
In 1964, seven adolescent companions made the gathering’s interesting boring of jazz, soul and funk, at first considering themselves the Jazziacs. They went through a few cycles prior to choosing Kool and the Gang in 1969.
The gathering’s different organizers are siblings Ronald and Robert Bell, Spike Mickens, Ricky Westfield, George Brown and Charles Smith.Ronald Bell kicked the bucket Sept. 9, 2020, at home in the U.S. Virgin Islands at age 68. The band has acquired two Grammy Awards and seven American Music Awards. They were regarded in 2014 with a Soul Train Lifetime Achievement Award. Their music is vigorously tested and highlighted in movie form sound tracks, including those for Rocky, Saturday Night Fever and Pulp Fiction.
Among those Thomas is made due by are his better half, Phynjuar Saunders Thomas, little girl Tuesday Rankin and children David Thomas and Devin Thomas.
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