BMI Mourns the Loss of Kool & The Gang Co-Founder Dennis Thomas
BMI was saddened to learn of the passing of singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist Dennis “Dee Tee” Thomas, who passed away on Saturday at the age of 70. A co-founder of seminal R&B group Kool & The Gang, Thomas helped forge the iconic band’s jubilant sound and energetic style for almost six decades.
Responsible for countless hits, pop-radio standards and party classics like “Jungle Boogie,” “Hollywood Swinging,” “Celebration,” “Ladies’ Night,” “Get Down On It,” “Cherish,” “Misled,” “Joanna” and many more, Kool & The Gang earned one GRAMMY and multiple GRAMMY nominations, five American Music Awards and have sold over 70 million albums worldwide.
Prior to his death, Thomas made his final appearance with Kool & The Gang at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles on July 4, 2021. He will be missed by his admirers at BMI, and we extend our sincere condolences to his family and friends.
Community
Connect with BMI & Professional Songwriters