Robert "Kool" Bell
Robert Earl "Kool" Bell (born October 8, 1950), also known by his Muslim name Muhammad Bayyan,[1] is an American musician, singer and songwriter. He is one of the founding members of the American funk band Kool & the Gang.[2]
Robert "Kool" Bell | |
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Robert "Kool" Bell in 2011 | |
Background information | |
Birth name | Robert Earl Bell |
Also known as | Kool Muhammad Bayyan |
Born | Youngstown, Ohio, U.S. | October 8, 1950
Genres | Jazz, R&B, soul, funk, dance-pop, disco, boogie |
Occupation(s) | Musician, singer, songwriter |
Instruments | Bass guitar, vocals |
Years active | 1964–present |
Labels | De-Lite, Mercury |
Associated acts | Kool & the Gang, Atomic Kitten |
Early life and career
Bell was born in Youngstown, Ohio and grew up in Jersey City, New Jersey. Along with his brother, Ronald Bell, he began playing jazz, and in 1964 they formed a group named the "Jazziacs". They began playing at clubs in New York City under a series of different band names, before settling on the name "Kool & the Gang" in 1968. He was one of the co-writers of the song "Boardmeeting" from the 2007 album Timbaland Presents Shock Value.
References
- Bush, John. Biography of Kool & the Gang at AllMusic. Retrieved April 25, 2012.
- Thompson, Dave (August 1, 2001). Funk. Hal Leonard Corporation. pp. 149–. ISBN 978-0-87930-629-8. Retrieved July 2, 2011.
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