Kool & the Gang, which has influenced the music of three generations, will perform live at Soaring Eagle Casino at 8 p.m. Saturday, March 18.
In 1964, Ronald Bell and his brother, Robert “Kool” Bell, joined Jersey City neighborhood friends Robert “Spike” Mickens, Dennis “Dee Tee” Thomas, Ricky Westfield, George Brown and Charles Smith to create a unique blend of jazz, soul and funk. At first calling themselves the Jazziacs, the band went through various names – The New Dimensions, The Soul Town Band, Kool & the Flames – before settling on their famous moniker. Kool & the Gang has earned two Grammy nominations, seven American Music Awards and had 31 gold and platinum albums featuring iconic songs such as “Celebration,” “Jungle Boogie,” “Summer Madness,” “Ladies Night” and more. The band released their self-titled debut album in 1969, which introduced their signature sound that has made the Gang the most sampled band in hip-hop. Their music is also featured on the soundtracks for “Rocky,” “Saturday Night Fever,” “Pulp Fiction,” “Wreck-It Ralph” and countless others. Tickets start at $40. Visit soaringeaglecasino.com/shows.
