Dennis “Dee Tee” Thomas, a founding member of the legendary R&B and funk group Kool & the Gang, died on Saturday, Aug. 7, 2021, in Montclair, New Jersey. According to a statement released by the band, the 70-year-old Thomas died peacefully in his sleep.
Thomas was an alto sax player, flutist and percussionist and served as master of ceremonies at the band’s shows. His last appearance with the group was July 4 at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles. Some of Kool & the Gang classic hits include “Jungle Boogie,” Summer Madness,” “Joanna,” “Too Hot” and the classic party jam, “Celebration.”
Dee Tee, also known for his prologue on the band’s 1971 hit, “Who’s Gonna Take the Weight,” served as Kool & the Gang’s “budget hawk” in their early days, carrying their earnings in a paper bag stuffed into the bell of his horn, the statement said. Thomas was highly celebrated for his style and flair in their heyday and was also the group’s wardrobe stylist.
In 1964, seven teen friends created the group’s unique blend of jazz, soul and funk, at first calling themselves the Jazziacs. They went through several iterations before settling on Kool & the Gang in 1969. The group’s other founders are brothers Ronald and Robert Bell, Spike Mickens, Ricky Westfield, George Brown and Charles Smith. Ronald Bell died Sept. 9, 2020, at home in the U.S. Virgin Islands at age 68.
Some of Kool & the Gang’s accolades include two Grammys and seven American Music Awards. They were honored in 2014 with a Soul Train Lifetime Achievement Award. Thomas is survived by his wife, Phynjuar Saunders Thomas, daughter Tuesday Rankin and sons David Thomas and Devin Thomas.
