We also encourage more of our fellow Americans to join our just and noble cause. Genres (none) Other tags (none) Robert "Spike . [33] The change in style developed further when the band entered a four-album association with Brazilian musician, songwriter, and arranger Eumir Deodato as their producer, who helped them move towards mainstream pop and dance-oriented music with greater emphasis on catchy hooks and chorus lines. [35] In January 1980, Ladies' Night was certified platinum by the RIAA for selling one million copies in the US. Original trumpet player Robert "Spike" Mickens, who retired in 1986 due to poor health, died at the age of 59 on November 2, 2010, at a nursing home in Far Rockaway, New York. The cause of death has not been released. Robert Lee Mickens Obituary. . On June 30, 1984, Dennis Thomas performed on stage while supporting Elton John at Wembley Stadium in London, England. The latter struggled to reach gold certification in the US, which led to the band's decision to end their time with Deodato as they had enough with the direction they had adopted. To add a flower, click the Leave a Flower button. Later in that decade he was in a group of New Jersey jazz musicians, including Ronald Bell (later Khalis Bayyan), Robert ``Kool Bell, George Brown, Dennis Thomas and Robert ``Spike Mickens, who became Kool & the Gang. Ronald Bell and his older brother Robert "Kool" Bell teamed up with Jersey City friends Dennis "D.T." August 7, 2021, New Jersey), Robert ("Spike") Mickens (b. Becoming a Find a Grave member is fast, easy and FREE. November 2, 2010, Far Rockaway, New York), Ricky West (original name Richard Westfield; b. Try again later. By 1979, Kool & the Gang changed musical direction in two distinct ways. The cause of Dan's death is unknown pending the result of a toxicology report. The album contained the US top-five single "Joanna". 00053083598. subject named as. Search above to list available cemeteries. https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/71021391/robert-mickens. . Thomas also had a daughter, Michelle, who starred in Family Matters. . Other articles where Robert Mickens is discussed: Kool & the Gang: August 7, 2021, New Jersey), Robert ("Spike") Mickens (b. She died in 1998. An email has been sent to the person who requested the photo informing them that you have fulfilled their request, There is an open photo request for this memorial. The band said Thomas "passed away peacefully in his sleep" in New Jersey. They later went on to form the Jazziacs with friends Robert "Spike" Mickens, Dennis Thomas, Ricky Westfield, George Brown and Charles Smith - eventually becoming Kool & The Gang. Brothers Robert and Ronald Bell, along with friends Dennis Thomas, Robert Mickens, Charles Smith, George Brown and Ricky Westfield founded the group in 1964 in New Jersey, first under the name the Jazziacs. This browser does not support getting your location. Guitarist Charles Smith died after a long illness in 2006 and was replaced by the Bells' youngest brother, Amir Bayyan, former leader of the Kay Gees. [14] In 1967, they decided to perform as their own identity and became regulars at the Blue Note Lounge in Jersey; one of the MC's advertised them with a new name, Kool & the Flames. He is . A cause of death was not provided. He was buried at burial place, Virginia. Their most successful albums of this period include Ladies' Night (1979), Celebrate! June 23, 2006 LOS ANGELES (AP) _ Claydes Charles Smith, a co-founder and lead guitarist of the group Kool & the Gang, has died. Former Temptations Lead Singer Bruce Williamson Dies at Age 49 After Reported COVID-19 Battle, Behind Kool & the Gang's No. As well the band has been inducted into the New Jersey Hall of Fame and been bestowed with a Mobo Award for Outstanding Achievement, the Soul Train Legend Award, the Marian Anderson Award and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Ronald "Khalis" Bell's publicist, Sujata Murthy, confirmed that the hip-hop legend passed away on the morning of Wednesday, Sept. 9 at his home in the U.S. Virgin Islands, according to USA Today. I thought you might like to see a memorial for Robert Spike Mickens I found on Findagrave.com. Robert "Spike" Mickens, Charles Smith, George Brown and Ricky West in 1964 to whip up a unique blend of jazz, soul and funk. Add to your scrapbook. A cause of death has not been. When you visit this site, it may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. Thomas, Robert "Spike" Mickens, Ricky West, Charles Smith, and George Brown. As yet, no cause of death has been revealed. Today. The cause of his death was unclear at the time. Brokaw did not know the cause of death. . They went on to release their eponymous debut album the same year. Somewhere, someone is always celebrating something.. He started the band with his brother Robert "Kool" Bell in 1964. ROBERT MICKENS JERSEY CITY Robert "Spike" Mickens, 59, passed away on Tuesday, November 2, 2010, in a nursing home in Far Rockaway, NY after a long illness. Kool & the Gang grew from jazz roots in the 1960s to become one of the major groups of the 1970s, blending jazz, funk, R&B and pop. Average Age & Life Expectancy Robert Mickens lived 12 years shorter than the average Mickens family member when he died at the age of 56. [37] Bonnefond stayed with the group for Emergency (1984), which remains their highest selling album with over two million copies sold in the US. Bell was born in Youngstown. He was one of the original members of Kool & The Gang. Kool & the Gang is an American R&B/funk band formed in Jersey City, New Jersey, in 1964 by brothers Robert "Kool" Bell and Ronald Bell, with Dennis "Dee Tee" Thomas, Robert "Spike" Mickens, Charles Smith, George Brown, and Ricky West.They have undergone numerous changes in personnel and have explored many musical styles throughout their history, including jazz, soul, funk, rock, and pop music. The cause of death has not been released. The cause of death was not disclosed. Bell later said the albums "bent our style a bit and we didn't feel at home with it". After a brief downturn, the group enjoyed a return to stardom in the '80s. For memorials with more than one photo, additional photos will appear here or on the photos tab. The album reached No. "[18][35] The band developed the song on a tour bus after attending the American Music Awards. Created by: Babe; . Kool & the Gang is an American R&B/soul/funk band formed in Jersey City, New Jersey, in 1964 by brothers Robert "Kool" Bell and Ronald Bell, with Dennis "Dee Tee" Thomas, Robert "Spike" Mickens, Charles Smith, George Brown, and Ricky West. Bell started the group with his brother Robert "Kool" Bell along with neighborhood friends Dennis "D.T." Throughout the seventies this blend produced a string of hits including Thomas, Robert 'Spike' Mickens . Robert Spike Mickens was born in 1951, in Jersey City. Kool & the Gang co-founder Dennis Thomas, often referred to as "Dee Tee," has died. Advertisement. The song was declared the most-played pop song in 1984 by Broadcast Music International. The album was produced by Khalis Bayyan before his 2020 death.[54]. How to say Robert Spike Mickens in English? Thomas formed Kool & the Gang in 1964 with bassist Robert "Kool" Bell and his brother, the late tenor saxophonist Ronald Bell, along with drummer George Brown, guitarist Charles Smith, trumpeter Robert "Spike" Mickens and pianist Ricky Westfield. [21] The album went to No. Composers: J.T. Bell died at his home in the U.S. Virgin Islands on Wednesday morning with his wife by his. 33 on the album chart, became their first gold album for selling 500,000 copies, and spawned the single "Funky Stuff", which entered the Top 40 pop chart. For their debut album, see, Kool & the Gang performing in November 2017, 19641972: Formation and signing with De-Lite, 19731978: First commercial success and low period, 19791988: J.T. cemeteries found in will be saved to your photo volunteer list. The cause of death has not been released. [18], In 2015, 50 years after formation, the group received their star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Kool & The Gangs co-founder and saxophonist Dennis Dee Tee Thomas has died at the age of 70. The group came together in 1964 as the Jazziacs in Jersey City. ", "Three Dog Night had songs about 'Celebrate' but there was never a song about a cel-e-bra-tion," he added. Try again later. The cause of Irene Mickens' death on July 12, however, was all-too apparent, according to Sandy Springs police. 1 Hit 'Celebration': 'It's Stood the Test of Time', Kool and the Gang Co-Founder Dennis 'Dee Tee' Thomas Dies at 70: 'The Quintessential Cool Cat', Kool & the Gang Release 25th Album Shortly After Bandmate Dennis Thomas' Death: 'It Means a Lot', Dashed 'Dreams' and BrokenHearts: Inside the Tumultuous Making of Fleetwood Mac's'Rumours', Barry Manilow's New Dr Pepper Ad Made Him Nostalgic for His Jingle-Writing Days: 'It Paid the Rent', Procol Harum Frontman Gary Brooker Dies of Cancer at 76: 'A Brightly Shining, Irreplaceable Light'. Two further singles, "Holiday" and "Special Way" were also released from the album; the former reached the top ten on the R&B Chart, the latter hit reached No. A self-taught saxophonist and singer, he founded the group in New Jersey with Robert and five schoolfriends - Dennis Thomas, Robert Mickens, Charles Smith, George . Lung cancer killed nearly 140,000 Americans in 2019, making it the leading cause of cancer death in the U.S And this month is also National Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Month. To view a photo in more detail or edit captions for photos you added, click the photo to open the photo viewer. He leaves behind a fortune of around $5million (3.8million). The sponsor of a memorial may add an additional. The cause of death has not been released. The band said Thomas "passed away peacefully in his sleep" in New Jersey. Please check your email and click on the link to activate your account. Kool & the Gang was formed in 1964 in Jersey City, NJ, by brothers Robert "Kool" Bell and Ronald "Khalis" Bell. In 1964, he and six of his friends brothers Ronald "Khalis" Bell and Robert "Kool" Bell, Spike Mickens, Ricky Westfield, George . The cause of death has not been released. Thomas, Robert "Spike" Mickens . Robert "Spike . . Learn all about Robert "Spike" Mickens on AllMusic. The group's music has been featured in several movies and video games: Rick West, the group's original keyboardist, who left in 1976 to form his own band, died in 1985. Robert "Spike . You may not upload any more photos to this memorial, This photo was not uploaded because this memorial already has 20 photos, This photo was not uploaded because you have already uploaded 5 photos to this memorial, This photo was not uploaded because this memorial already has 30 photos, This photo was not uploaded because you have already uploaded 15 photos to this memorial. (1980), and Emergency (1984), their highest selling album with two million copies sold in the US. . The email does not appear to be a valid email address. 5 and No. It spawned four US top 20 singles, including "Emergency", "Cherish", "Fresh", and "Misled". Hindi, English, Punjabi. [26] "Summer Madness" was also used in Rocky (1976), but not released on its soundtrack album.[26]. Pope Francis' fiercest opposition: the Church's clerical workforce. Illness forced Smith to stop touring with the group in January. [34] The group's first choice, Stevie Wonder, was too busy to work with them. Kool & the Gang grew from jazz roots in the 1960s to become one of the major groups of the 1970s, blending jazz, funk, R&B and pop. Kool & the Gang grew from jazz roots in the 1960s to become one of the major groups of the 1970s, blending jazz, funk, R&B, and pop. There was a problem getting your location. Browse 67 robert mickens stock photos and images available, or start a new search to explore more stock photos and images. The band performed under various names before its members . This was helped by the hit singles "Too Hot" and "Ladies' Night", which went to No. Bell co-wrote many of the group's biggest hits, including "Ladies Night," "Jungle Boogie," the band's No. Kool & the Gang grew from jazz roots in the 1960s to become one of the major groups of the 1970s, blending jazz, funk, R&B and pop. Music eventually pulled him out: The group sparked when Ronald visited the home of. He was an original member of the musical group "Kool and the Gang". People who loved him will be missing him so greatly since they left a legacy of sweet memories. CNN . No official cause of death has been disclosed. No cause of death has been announced at this time. They became one. No cause of death was given. Death: 2 Nov 2010 (aged 58-59) Far Rockaway, Queens County, New York, USA. Connect with the definitive source for global and local news. Ron Wynn of Allmusic called the album "a completely faceless, aimless record probably the worst album of their career. Spike, as he was affectionately known as, was a founding member of the R&B group, Kool & the Gang, which was formed in Jersey City NJ in 1964. Robert "Spike" Mickens, Charles Smith, George Brown and Ricky West in 1964 to whip up a unique blend of jazz, soul and funk. He had his wife, Tia Sinclair Bell, by his side. U.S., Social Security Death Index, 1935-2014. Review. Average Age & Life Expectancy Robert L Mickens lived 9 years shorter than the average Mickens family member when he died at the age of 59. The band said Thomas "passed away peacefully in his sleep" in New Jersey. This is about one death every 11 minutes. Are you sure that you want to delete this memorial? There was an error deleting this problem. History tells us that with a cause rooted in our deepest principles and . He was 57. Are you sure that you want to delete this photo? I cant thank you enough for the hours I spent as a 7 year old playing my parents Kool & The Gangs Celebrate album over and over. He was 68. Your Scrapbook is currently empty. . Robert "Spike" Mickens, Charles Smith, George Brown and Rickey West join. Your account has been locked for 30 minutes due to too many failed sign in attempts. The song originated from the lyric "Come on, let's all celebrate" from "Ladies' Night", which inspired Robert Bell to write "an international anthem. No cause of death has been announced at this time. Born on Sept. 6, 1948, in Jersey City, N.J., he was introduced to jazz guitar by his father in the early 1960s. You can customize the cemeteries you volunteer for by selecting or deselecting below. Composers: Ronald Nathan Bell - J.T. The cause of death has not been released. No cause of death was given. In addition to Kool & the Gang, Ronald also worked as a producer and arranger for artists such as the Fugees, Jimmy Cliff, House of Pain, Phillip Glass and Rachid. . Kool & the Gang won a Grammy in 1978 for their work on the soundtrack for "Saturday Night Fever." Jersey City, Hudson County, New Jersey, USA, Far Rockaway, Queens County, New York, USA. Alongside Robert "Kool" Bell, Ronald Bell, Robert "Spike" Micken, Charles Smith, George Brown, and Ricky West, Thomas was among the co-founders of the Jazz group Kool & the Gang. ", "I was reading Scripture where the creator's gonna create and made an announcement that he's gonna create this human thing to angels, and the angels were celebrating him for doing so, and thats also where the idea came from," Bell told Rolling Stone in 2015 of the inspiration behind 1980's "Celebration. A cause of death was not announced. The legendary band announced Dee Tee Thomas' death on Saturday, August 7. Family, friend, or fan, this family history biography is for you to remember Robert Mickens. Are you adding a grave photo that will fulfill this request? Kool & the Gang grew from jazz roots in the 1960s to become one of the major groups of the 1970s, blending jazz, funk, R&B and pop. "Super Band" also reached the R&B top twenty. . The weekly British Catholic magazine The Tablet and its Rome correspondent Robert Mickens, an American who is a longtime Vatican analyst, have severed ties after nine years of working together.. "RIP Dennis Thomas, the soul and style of the seminal Kool & The Gang," another said. [51] During that year they were also inducted into the New Jersey Hall of Fame. . Back in 1964, New Jersey teenagers - brothersRonald Khalis BellandRobertKoolBell and their friends Dee Tee,Spike Mickens, Ricky Westfield, George Brown, and CharlesSmith decided to form a band that was originally called the Jazziacs. Dennis "D.T." He died after a . Bell is survived by his wife, Tia Sinclair Bell; his 10 children; grandchildren; brothers Robert, Wahid Bayyan and Amir Bayyan, and sister Sharifah Bayyan. He brought the hip jazz in the late 60s, Hollywood Swinging/Jungle Boogie, a Saturday Night Fever soundtrack, adamant to be the kings of the disco scene, and to become the most sampled act in hip-hop classics pic.twitter.com/Rx2c0wdxJs, NEW YORK STATE FAIR PAID TRIBUTE TO THOMAS. Kool & the Gang grew from jazz roots in the 1960s to become one of the major groups of the 1970s, blending jazz, funk, R&B and pop. The cause of death has not been released. You can find out more and change our default settings with Cookies Settings. Bell started the group with his brother Robert "Kool" Bell along with neighborhood friends Dennis "D.T." There is a problem with your email/password. Another founding member, Ronald Bell, died last year. Learn more about managing a memorial . 25 on the R&B chart. . You need a Find a Grave account to continue. "Kool & The Gang co-founder Dennis 'Dee Tee' Thomas died in his sleep today at home in New Jersey, age 70. Kool & the Gang grew from jazz roots in the 1960s to become one of the major groups of the 1970s, blending jazz, funk, R&B and pop. The group consisted of Ronald, his brother Robert "Kool" Bell, Dennis "D.T." ROBERT MICKENS JERSEY CITY Robert "Spike" Mickens, 59, passed away on Tuesday, November 2, 2010, in a nursing home in Far Rockaway, NY after a long illness. The legendary band announced Thomas' death on Saturday, August 7. 1951, Jersey Cityd. (Terms and conditions). Incorporating funk, soul as well as R&B influences, the Jazziacs became Kool & The Gang in 1969. Robert "Spike" Mickens, Charles Smith, George Brown and Ricky West. NEW YORK STATE FAIR PAYS TRIBUTE TO THOMAS, WHO PERFORMED THERE, Mom 'stabs 3 of her kids to death and wounds 2 others in unsupervised visit', Daughter of murdered couple linked to Delphi case reveals paranoia, Serena Williams stepmom's debts continue to spiral amid crumbling home battle, Alex Murdaugh heckled after court with eerie warning about son being 'next', 2020 THE SUN, US, INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED | TERMS OF USE | PRIVACY | YOUR AD CHOICES | SITEMAP. This feat made Kool & the Gang the only band to have four top 20 singles from a single album in 1985. GREAT NEWS! They have sold 7.5 million and 4.5 million RIAA-certified albums and singles, respectively, in the US. Thomas also sang backing vocals as well as the occasional lead, like onLight of Worlds Rhyme Tyme People.. . Dennis "D.T." Pinterest. KOOL & The Gangs co-founder and saxophonist Dennis Dee Tee Thomas has died at the age of 70. The Hits Reloaded contained collaborations with artists such as Atomic Kitten, Lisa Stansfield and Jamiroquai. No further details about his cause of death were revealed. Tributes to Dennis Thomas poured out on social media. Weve updated the security on the site. Thomas, Robert "Spike" Mickens, Charles Smith, George Brown and Ricky West. Text "RICKEY" to 71007 to join the Rickey Smiley Morning Show mobile club for exclusive news. Robert "Spike" Mickens, Charles Smith, George Brown and Ricky West. 1 "Celebration", "Get Down on It", "Joanna", "Misled", and "Cherish". Kool & the Gang grew from jazz roots in the 1960s to become one of the major groups of the 1970s, blending jazz, funk, R&B and pop. Posted by June 8, 2022 real police badge vs fake on robert spike'' mickens cause of death June 8, 2022 real police badge vs fake on robert spike'' mickens cause of death Born in Jersey City, New Jersey. In mid-1976, Kool & the Gang entered a period of commercial decline; Rolling Stone writer Geoff Himes wrote the disco-era "frowned on [their] loose and greasy approach to dance music. He was 68. . Your new password must contain one or more uppercase and lowercase letters, and one or more numbers or special characters. ADVERTISEMENT. Throughout the 1990s and 2000s, Bell and the band toured as a legacy group. Ronald "Khalis" Bell has sadly passed away at the age of 68. Aliases Robert "Spike" Mickens Born 1951 Died November 2, 2010 Country United States IPI 00053083598 26 works 00063846754 15 works Affiliation . This flower has been reported and will not be visible while under review. This relationship is not possible based on lifespan dates. He died at his home in the U.S. Virgin Islands and it was reportedly a sudden death. A cause of death has yet to be determined. Kool & the Gang grew from jazz roots in the 1960s to become one of the major groups of the 1970s, blending jazz, funk, R&B and pop. [2] During 2018, the Bells, Brown, and Taylor were also inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame. [59], Alto saxophonist Dennis "D.T." Robert passed away of cause of death on month day 1943, at age 85 at death place, Virginia. His cause of death has not yet been announced. Edit your search or learn more. The cause of death has not been released. . Ronald "Khalis" Bell, singer and co-founder of Kool & the Gang, died Wednesday at his U.S. Virgin Islands home at age 68, his rep confirmed to multiple outlets. Share this memorial using social media sites or email. The legendary music group announced Thomas'. In addition to performing with the group, Ronald co-wrote and produced a number of their hit songs, including Celebration, Cherish, Jungle Boogie, Hollywood Swinging, Summer Madness, Open Sesame, Ladies Night, Joanna and Fresh. After a brief downturn, the group enjoyed a return to stardom in the '80s. Yeah serious sad face. He was 70 years old. or don't show this againI am good at figuring things out. He was 57. Suicide is a leading cause of death in the United States, 3 with 45,979 deaths in 2020. The tour included the group establishing their own public service program, devised by Robert Bell and Taylor, which encouraged school children to pursue education, giving free tickets to those with perfect attendance. Robert "Spike . The album included two hit singles on the Billboard Hot 100 chart: "Victory" (US #10, R&B #2) and "Stone Love" (US #10, R&B #4). The cause of death has not been released. Robert "Spike . Family and friends can send flowers and condolences in memory of the loved one. The band continues to perform worldwide, including as support for Van Halen in 2012 and their fiftieth-anniversary tour in 2014. Kool & the Gang grew from jazz roots in the 1960s to become one of the major groups of the 1970s, blending jazz, funk, R&B and pop. . Thomas was one of three surviving members of the original Kool & The Gang. FANS of Kool & the Gang are mourning the death of one of their own. For other inquiries, Contact Us. Redd wrote: "I discovered these eight supertalented incomparable young musicians [] I immediately realized that their potential would earn them success unknown by most musicians". Trombonist Clifford Alanza Adams Jr. died in January 2015 at the age of 62 after a year-long battle with cancer. [48] During 2007 the band released another album entitled Still Kool. Back in 1964 New Jersey teenagers - brothers Ronald "Khalis" Bell and Robert "Kool" Bell and their friends "Dee Tee," Spike Mickens, Ricky Westfield, George Brown, and Charles Smith - decided to form a band that was originally called the Jazziacs. It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Robert Lee Mickens (Sumter, South Carolina), who passed away on January 19, 2023, at the age of 62, leaving to mourn family and friends. Original trumpet player Robert "Spike" Mickens, who retired in 1986 due to poor health, died at the age of 59 on November 2, 2010, at a nursing home in Far Rockaway, New York. Robert Mickens from tree Mickens Family Tree. After a downturn, the group enjoyed a return to stardom in the 80s. This memorial has been copied to your clipboard. Taylor - Sandy Linzer - James L. Bonnefond - Curtis Williams - Charles Smith - Robert Bell - George Melvin Brown - Curtis Fitzgerald Williams - Dennis Ronald Thomas - James Taylor - Robert Spike Mickens - George Ronald Brown No animated GIFs, photos with additional graphics (borders, embellishments. The next two, "Jungle Boogie" and "Hollywood Swinging", fared even better by entering the US top 10, marking the band's breakthrough to a white audience. They most recently released a Christmas album, Kool for the Holidays their 24th studio album in 2013. To inquire about a licence to reproduce material, visit our Syndication site. Edit Search New Search Filters (1) To get better results, add more information such as Birth Info, Death Info and Locationeven a guess will help. You are only allowed to leave one flower per day for any given memorial. They were first known as the Jazziacs, before settling for Kool and the Gang. Taylor left the band for the second time in 1999. The album reached No. Failed to report flower. In October 1974, the group landed a spot on the national television music show Soul Train. "[29], During their low period, the band gained some mainstream attention with their contribution of "Open Sesame" to the soundtrack of Saturday Night Fever (1977). . [33] They then decided to produce their next album, In the Heart (1983), by themselves with Jim Bonnefond as co-producer. 3 The number of people who think about or attempt suicide is even higher. Over the course of two decades, the band with a tight brand of funk music amassed a catalog . Ronald "Khalis" Bell, a co-founder, songwriter, saxophonist, vocalist and producer of the chart-topping group Kool & The Gang, died Wednesday morning at his home in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Thomas, Robert "Spike" Mickens . A huge personality while also an extremely private person, Dennis was the alto saxophone player, flutist, percussionist as well asmaster of ceremonies at the bands shows," the band's statement went on. The cause of death was not announced. THOMAS MADE SURE THE BAND 'ALWAYS LOOKED FRESH'. 9th Aug 2021, 03:00 'PASSED AWAY PEACEFULLY' The legendary band announced Thomas' death on Saturday, August 7. Pronunciation of Robert Spike Mickens with 1 audio pronunciation and more for Robert Spike Mickens. Robert "Spike" Mickens, Charles Smith, George Brown and Ricky West. Brazilian Deodato refined the qualities already inherent in the group . Cookies collect information about your preferences and your device and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. Thomas, "beloved husband, father and a co-founder of Kool & the Gang, passed away peacefully in his sleep at the age of 70 in New Jersey," said a Facebook statement from the group. Smith died in Maplewood, N.J., on Tuesday after a long illness, publicist David Brokaw said Thursday. The legendary band announced Thomas' death on Saturday, August 7. Try again later. The cause of death was not given. [10], In 2013 the group released a Christmas album Kool for the Holidays. It was followed with Good Times in November, which features the band backed by a string section. The band said Thomas "passed away peacefully in his sleep" in New Jersey. The cause of death has not been released. Robert L Mickens of Bay Shore, Suffolk County, New York was born on February 10, 1942. Dee Teewas the groups wardrobe stylist who made sure they always looked fresh. Robert was their original trumpet player who retired in 1986 due to poor health. After a brief downturn, the group enjoyed a return to stardom in the '80s. [21] It was released in July 1972, and peaked at No. [16] The group then underwent several name changes, including The Soul Town Band and The New Dimensions,[17][13] during which they would play Motown covers as the backing musicians for Soul Town, a small Jersey City-based organization similar to Motown. It is their only album with guitarist Woody Sparrow who completed a temporary eight-man formation. Kool and the Gang became a major smash in the 1970s. . Robert Mickens passed away at age 57 years old in February 1978. Robert "Spike . Sponsored by Ancestry. However, their manager Gene Redd advised against it to avoid confusion with James Brown's band, The Famous Flames, leading to a further change to Kool & the Gang, in 1969. Thomas, Robert "Spike" Mickens . June 23, 2006. 1 hit "Celebration" and "Summer Madness,". Open Sesame is the eighth studio album by the funk band Kool & the Gang, released in 1976.The album yielded the hit title track, "Open Sesame", which achieved some success, first as a top ten R&B single, then later as part of the Saturday Night Fever soundtrack.
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