Dennis "Dee Tee" Thomas, a founding member of the long-running soul-funk band Kool & the Gang known for such hits as Celebration and Get Down On It, has died. Born Feb. 9, 1951, in Orlando, Fla., Thomas was known for his prologue on the band's 1971 hit, Who's Gonna Take the Weight. Ronald Bell died Sept. 9, 2020, at home in the U.S. Virgin Islands at age 68. Their music is heavily sampled and featured on film soundtracks, including those for Rocky, Saturday Night Fever and Pulp Fiction. Among those Thomas is survived by are his wife, Phynjuar Saunders Thomas, daughter Tuesday Rankin and sons David Thomas and Devin Thomas.

Source: CBC News August 07, 2021 20:05 UTC