Robert Bell, a co-founder of the multi-platinum selling and most sampled band of all time, Kool and the Gang, has died at the age of 68.
According to ABC news Bell died at his home in the U.S. Virgin Islands Wednesday morning with his wife by his side. The cause of death has not been released.
The charismatic musician had many strings to his bow and also did much in the way of humanitarian work. He was a United States ambassador of music and the arts to many countries, and a successful entrepreneur involved with a number of ventures and developments around the globe. Five years ago REACH (Renewable Energy Applications to Conserve Humanity) appointed Bell as its Global Ambassador for Sustainable Energy – REACH is an organisation which works to make clean energy available globally.
Together with the band, their music Pop/R&B group won 7 Grammys, sold over 80 million albums worldwide and influenced the music of generations with 25 Top Ten R&B hits, 9 Top Ten Pop hits, and 31 gold and platinum albums.
The group was honoured with a BET Soul Train Lifetime Achievement Award in 2014 and inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame four years later.
Kool had also recently ventured into the world of champagne making with the launch of his own personal brand called Kool Champagne Grand Cru.
He is survived by his wife and ten children.
Thank you for the music Robert Bell - may you rest in peace.
