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Dennis “Dee Tee” Thomas Of Kool & The Gang Dies

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Dennis “Dee Tee” Thomas, a saxophonist and co-founding member of Kool & The Gang, has reportedly handed away. He was 70.

A reason behind demise has not but been introduced publicly. Nonetheless the band issued a press release, revealing Thomas died in his sleep in New Jersey.

“An authentic member of Kool & The Gang, Dennis was generally known as the quintessential cool cat within the group, liked for his hip garments and hats, and his laid-back demeanor,” the group mentioned in a press release, in line with Yahoo Entertainment.

RELATED: Kool & The Gang’s Ronald ‘Khalis’ Bell Dead At 68

The assertion continues: “An enormous character whereas additionally a particularly personal particular person, Dennis was the alto saxophone participant, flutist, percussionist in addition to grasp of ceremonies on the band’s reveals. Dennis’ prologue featured on the group’s 1971 hit, ‘Who’s Gonna Take the Weight’ is known and an instance of his showmanship. Dee Tee was the group’s wardrobe stylist who made positive they at all times appeared recent. Within the band’s early days, Dennis additionally served because the ‘price range hawk,’ carrying the group’s earnings in a paper bag within the bell of his horn.”

Thomas’ involvement with Kool & The Gang has spanned practically 60 years. In 1964, seven Jersey Metropolis youngsters, together with brothers Ronald “Khalis” Bell and Robert “Kool” Bell and their buddies “Dee Tee,” Spike Mickens, Ricky Westfield, George Brown, and Charles Smith, fashioned a band first known as the Jazziacs. 

Subsequently the band would undertake the title Kool & The Gang in 1969 – the identical 12 months they launched their self-titled debut album.

Thomas was featured on each album Kool & The Gang launched, together with their upcoming twenty fifth LP Excellent Union.

Final month, Thomas was part of Kool & The Gang’s 4th of July live performance at Los Angeles’ Hollywood Bowl. The band added Saturday that “sadly, this was Dennis’ farewell look with the band.”

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