Consisting of the brothers 'Kool' Robert Bell who played bass and Ronald Bell on tenor saxophone, the band also featured Robert Mickens on trumpet, George Brown on drums ; Dennis Thomas on alto saxophone, trombonist Clifford Adams on trombone, Rick Westfield on keyboards and the late Claydes Charles Smith on guitar It was Smith who penned a number of the bands biggest hits including Celebration. 

While there first band, Jazziacs failed to set the music world on fire in 1964, they changed their named to Kool & the Gang and released their self titled debut in 1969. 

There next release, Wild and Peaceful in 1973 featured the hit Jungle boogie (which also appeared in 1994's Pulp Fiction. In 1977 their sing Open Sesame featured in the Saturday Night Fever soundtrack.

A new lead singer in James JT Taylor saw renewed success with 1979's Ladies Night and their only #1 hit Celebration in 1980.