No cause of death has been announced at this time. No cause of death was given. Robert Spike Mickens, Soundtrack: 2 Fast 2 Furious. [35] In January 1980, Ladies' Night was certified platinum by the RIAA for selling one million copies in the US. Initially calling themselves the Jazziacs, the band underwent several name . Robert "Spike . He returned in 1996 for their State of Affairs album. [5][47] 2004 saw the release of yet another album featuring remakes and some new songs. Ronald "Khalis" Bell, singer and co-founder of Kool & the Gang, died Wednesday at his U.S. Virgin Islands home at age 68, his rep confirmed to multiple outlets . Genres (none) Other tags (none) . The legendary band announced Dee Tee Thomas' death on Saturday, August 7. No cause of death has been announced at this time. We will review the memorials and decide if they should be merged. Search above to list available cemeteries. Spike, as he was affectionately known as Ronald "Khalis" Bell, a co-founder, songwriter, saxophonist, vocalist and producer of the chart-topping group Kool & The Gang, died Wednesday morning at his home in the U.S. Virgin Islands. . to the label. Bell formed the Kool & the Gang band along with his brother Robert "Kool" Bell in Jersey City, New Jersey. MICKENS ROBERT SPIKE. Try again later. . [51] During that year they were also inducted into the New Jersey Hall of Fame. Robert "Spike . Try again. They most recently released a Christmas album, Kool for the Holidays their 24th studio album in 2013. 4 Ronald co-founded the band with his brother, Robert What was Ronald Bell's net worth? He died after a long. When autocomplete results are available use up and down arrows to review and enter to select. The change in style affected their ability to secure as many dates than before, working "just off and on" during this time. In October 1974, the group landed a spot on the national television music show Soul Train. [27][28] The latter album received negative responses; one review for Everybody's Dancin' had the headline: "Kool and the Gang have gone bland." Continuing with this request will add an alert to the cemetery page and any new volunteers will have the opportunity to fulfill your request. Two further singles, "Holiday" and "Special Way" were also released from the album; the former reached the top ten on the R&B Chart, the latter hit reached No. . [25] In 1975 Kool & the Gang added Larry Gittens from the Stylistics, and released Spirit of the Boogie which contained the top 40 single "Spirit of the Boogie". [20] The album peaked at No. Both. Learn about how to make the most of a memorial. Throughout the 1990s and 2000s, Bell and the band toured as a legacy group. Their hit singles during this period included "Ladies' Night", the US No. This service is provided on News Group Newspapers' Limited's Standard Terms and Conditions in accordance with our Privacy & Cookie Policy. [21] The album went to No. November 2, 2010, Far Rockaway, New York), Ricky West (original name Richard Westfield; b. Becoming a Find a Grave member is fast, easy and FREE. Their next album, Music Is the Message, was the first time the group self-produced one of their records. June 23, 2006 LOS ANGELES, June 22 (AP) Claydes Charles Smith, a founder and the lead guitarist of the group Kool and the Gang, died on Tuesday in Maplewood, N.J. Robert "Spike . Dennis "D.T." LOS ANGELES (AP) _ Claydes Charles Smith, a co-founder and lead guitarist of the group Kool & the Gang, has died. Use Escape keyboard button or the Close button to close the carousel. Oct 23, 2013 - Robert "Spike" Mickens (Kool & the Gang trumpeter) 1951-2010. Arnold Lee Mickens Obituary, Death Cause: On the 27th of January 2022, TVDeathRay received information about the death of Arnold Lee Mickens via a Social Media post. You can find out more and change our default settings with Cookies Settings. Kool & the Gang grew from jazz roots in the 1960s to become one of the major groups of the 1970s, blending jazz, funk, R&B and pop. Alzheimer disease is the 7 th leading cause of death in the country, accounting for over 133,000 deaths in 2020, according to provisional data. Music eventually pulled him out: The group sparked when Ronald visited the home of. 16 August 1953, Laurens, South Carolina, USA) and Earl Toon Jnr., with Taylor emerging as the key member in a new era of success for the group, which coincided with their employment of an outside producer. The email does not appear to be a valid email address. You can customize the cemeteries you volunteer for by selecting or deselecting below. [57] Adams, who had been with Kool & The Gang since 1977, had no health insurance to cover medical expenses. Bell co-wrote many of the groups' most notable songs, which include "Ladies Night, "Get Down On It," Jungle Boogie," "Cherish," and mega hit, "Celebration. For their debut album, see, Kool & the Gang performing in November 2017, 19641972: Formation and signing with De-Lite, 19731978: First commercial success and low period, 19791988: J.T. Kool & the Gang grew from jazz roots in the 1960s to become one of the major groups of the 1970s, blending jazz, funk, R&B and pop. By this time Khalis Bayyan and Robert "Spike" Mickens also had departed the band. Other articles where Robert Mickens is discussed: Kool & the Gang: August 7, 2021, New Jersey), Robert ("Spike") Mickens (b. The cause of death has not been released. Thomas played on every one of Kool & The Gang's albums up to their upcoming 25th studio album Perfect Union. Try again later. Resend Activation Email. Another founding member, Ronald Bell, died last year. Kool & the Gang grew from jazz roots in the 1960s to become one of the major groups of the 1970s, blending jazz, funk, R&B and pop. [24] Their success continued with Light of Worlds (1974), which contained the hit instrumental "Summer Madness". He started the band with his brother Robert "Kool" Bell in 1964. There was an error deleting this problem. As well the band has been inducted into the New Jersey Hall of Fame and been bestowed with a Mobo Award for Outstanding Achievement, the Soul Train Legend Award, the Marian Anderson Award and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. 31 on the US Billboard Top Soul Albums chart. There was a problem getting your location. English Kool & the Gang grew from jazz roots in the 1960s to become one of the major groups of the 1970s, blending jazz, funk, R&B and pop. Born on Nov. 1, 1951, Bell, along with his brother Robert "Kool" Bell, formed a band with their pals Spike Mickens, Dennis Thomas, Ricky Westfield, George Brown . Average Age & Life Expectancy Robert L Mickens lived 9 years shorter than the average Mickens family member when he died at the age of 59. [2] During 2018, the Bells, Brown, and Taylor were also inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame. Writer Mike Duffy wrote: "They've joined the disco lemmings [] The edge has gone. Pronunciation of Robert Spike Mickens with 1 audio pronunciation and more for Robert Spike Mickens. . It marked the return of Khalis Bayyan to the group. Post author: Post published: June 10, 2022 Post category: extinction rebellion suisse Post comments: british gas smart meter pairing pin british gas smart meter pairing pin "An original member of Kool & the Gang, Dennis was known as the quintessential cool cat in the group, loved for his hip clothes and hats, and his laid-back demeanor," his bandmates wrote. Search Artists, Songs, Albums. "Kool & The Gang co-founder Dennis 'Dee Tee' Thomas died in his sleep today at home in New Jersey, age 70. Their . The cause of death has not been released. In a 2015Rolling Stoneinterview, the Bell brothers credited Thomas playing an instrumental role in the bands hit Whos Gonna Take the Weight.. Ronald "Khalis" Bell, a co-founder, singer and producer of the group Kool & the Gang, has died. In 2020, an estimated 12.2 million American adults seriously thought about suicide, 3.2 million planned a . "Dennis prologue featured on the groups 1971 hit, WhosGonnaTake the Weight is legendary and an example of his showmanship. Read our Dennis Thomas live blog for the latest news and updates Tributes to Dennis Thomas poured out Twitter. Thomas was born in 1951 in Orlando, Florida, and formed his first band in 1964 The Jazzies with seven of his teenage friends: brothers Ronald Bell and Robert "Kool" Bell, Spike Mickens . Other members would include lead singer James ``JT Taylor. They were first known as the Jazziacs, before settling for Kool and the Gang. "[18][35] The band developed the song on a tour bus after attending the American Music Awards. (1980), and Emergency (1984), their highest selling album with two million copies sold in the US. I saved myself from Royal life, Harry says & insists 'sharing's an act of service', Love Island's Olivia Hawkins breaks silence as she returns to the UK, Loose Women star lined up to be Strictly's first contestant in wheelchair, Coronation Street fans horrified as Amy Barlow is raped in disturbing scenes, News Group Newspapers Limited in England No. 1951, Jersey Cityd. Robert "Spike" Mickens, Charles Smith, George Brown and Ricky West. Drag images here or select from your computer for Robert Spike Mickens memorial. Kool & the Gang is an American R&B/soul/funk band formed in Jersey City, New Jersey, in 1964 by brothers Robert "Kool" Bell and Ronald Bell, with Dennis "Dee Tee" Thomas, Robert "Spike" Mickens, Charles Smith, George Brown, and Ricky West. "RIP, Dennis Thomas. It comes over twenty years after Thomas lost his daughter, actress Michelle Thomas, to cancer. The lineup comprised of Bell and his brother, Robert "Kool" Bell, as well as neighborhood friends Robert "Spike" Mickens, Dennis "D.T." Robert "Spike . He is survived by his daughter Tuesday Rankin and sons David Thomas and Devin Thomas. No cause of death has been announced at this time. "In the bands early days, Dennis also served as thebudget hawk, carrying the groups earnings in a paper bag inthe bell of his horn., DENNIS THOMAS REMEMBERED AS 'BOSS OF KOOL AND THE GANG'. FANS of Kool & the Gang are mourning the death of one of their own. Robert "Spike" Mickens, Charles Smith, George Brown and Ricky West in 1964 to whip up a unique blend of jazz, soul and funk. Kool & the Gang member and co-founder Ronald 'Khalis' Bell dead at 68 Thomas is survived by his wife, Phynjuar Saunders Thomas, sons, David and Devin, and daughter, Tuesday Rankin. [37] Taylor was replaced by three vocalists: Sennie "Skip" Martin, Odeen Mays, and Gary Brown. memorial page for Robert "Spike" Mickens (1951-2 Nov 2010), Find a Grave Memorial ID 71021391, ; Maintained by Babe (contributor 46785600 . All photos uploaded successfully, click on the Done button to see the photos in the gallery. Thomas, Robert "Spike" Mickens . Open Sesame is the eighth studio album by the funk band Kool & the Gang, released in 1976.The album yielded the hit title track, "Open Sesame", which achieved some success, first as a top ten R&B single, then later as part of the Saturday Night Fever soundtrack. Play Robert Spike Mickens hit new songs and download Robert Spike Mickens MP3 songs and music album online on Gaana.com. Their most successful albums of this period include Ladies' Night (1979), Celebrate! Alongside Robert "Kool" Bell, Ronald Bell, Robert "Spike" Micken, Charles Smith, George Brown, and Ricky West, Thomas was among the co-founders of the Jazz group Kool & the Gang. He was 68. In addition to performing with the group, Ronald co-wrote and produced a number of their hit songs, including Celebration, Cherish, Jungle Boogie, Hollywood Swinging, Summer Madness, Open . He was. [53] During 2019 Kool and the Gang was also bestowed with the Marian Anderson Award. Pinterest. [18] All songs on this album were written by Khalis Bayyan and Taylor. A self-taught saxophonist and singer, he founded the group in New Jersey with Robert and five schoolfriends - Dennis Thomas, Robert Mickens, Charles Smith, George . Try again later. Dee Teewas the groups wardrobe stylist who made sure they always looked fresh. The Most Memorable Contestants of 'American Idol': Where Are They Now? Kool and the Gang became a major smash in the 1970s. 1 hit "Celebration" and "Summer Madness,". ", "Three Dog Night had songs about 'Celebrate' but there was never a song about a cel-e-bra-tion," he added. One of his children is singer Rachid "Rasalus" Bell, who often performs under the stage name Ra. If you notice a problem with the translation, please send a message to [emailprotected] and include a link to the page and details about the problem. In 1964, Bell and his brother Robert "Kool" formed a band with Dennis "D.T." [9], The band formed in Jersey City, New Jersey, in 1964 when seven school friends decided to perform together as an instrumental jazz and soul group named the Jazziacs. It spawned four US top 20 singles, including "Emergency", "Cherish", "Fresh", and "Misled". Redd wrote: "I discovered these eight supertalented incomparable young musicians [] I immediately realized that their potential would earn them success unknown by most musicians". The legendaryfunk outfit confirmed his death Saturdaysaying he passed away peacefully in his sleep in New Jersey. She starred in the sitcom Family Matters. No cause of death has been announced, Billboard reported. They went on to release their eponymous debut album the same year. Guitarist Charles Smith died after a long illness in 2006 and was replaced by the Bells' youngest brother, Amir Bayyan, former leader of the Kay Gees. People who loved him will be missing him so greatly since they left a legacy of sweet memories. The latter struggled to reach gold certification in the US, which led to the band's decision to end their time with Deodato as they had enough with the direction they had adopted. No cause of death has been announced, Billboard reported. Robert passed away on November 2 2010, at age 59 in Far Rockaway. There is a problem with your email/password. In 2007, the band was inducted into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame. [34] The group's first choice, Stevie Wonder, was too busy to work with them. Michelle Thomas, the daughter of Dennis Thomas, was remembered by her co-stars in a cast reunion. The band memorialized saxophonist Dennis Dee Tee Thomas in a statement. Death: 2 Nov 2010 (aged 58-59) Far Rockaway, Queens County, New York, USA. Thomas, Robert "Spike" Mickens, Charles Smith, George Brown and Ricky . Please try again later. The album was a compilation of rappers backed by Kool and the Gang remaking some of the band's songs. [38][39] In 1985, Bell said the band retained control of their own business affairs, avoiding to hire management on a full-time basis and preferring to hire consultants and agents for each project or a single term. Your Scrapbook is currently empty. For further details of our complaints policy and to make a complaint please click this link: thesun.co.uk/editorial-complaints/, Musician Ronald Bell has sadly passed away, Ronald was a member of Kool and the Gang which he formed with his brother and high school friends, Ronald co-founded the band with his brother, Robert, Kool & the Gang released their debut album in 1970, Ronald "Khalis" Bell has sadly passed away, Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO). Thomas, Robert "Spike" Mickens, Charles Smith, George Brown and Ricky West. Robert "Kool" Bell, George Brown, Dennis Thomas and Robert "Spike" Mickens -- who became Kool & the Gang. Thomas, Robert "Spike" Mickens, Charles Smith, George Brown and Ricky West rounded out the rest of the band.Also Read: 'Lockdown': Anne Hathaway in Talks to Star in Doug Liman . Robert Mickens, the Rome correspondent for the London Tablet has a lengthy article on the SSPX saga in this week's Tablet here . robert spike'' mickens cause of death. motions to sever (Mickens, Smith, and Jones); VII. . . In 1964, Bell and his brother, Robert "Kool" Bell, joined neighborhood friends Dennis "D.T." To add a flower, click the Leave a Flower button. When you visit this site, it may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. Brothers Robert and Ronald Bell, along with friends Dennis Thomas, Robert Mickens, Charles Smith, George Brown and Ricky Westfield founded the group in 1964 in New Jersey, first under the name the Jazziacs. Robert passed away of cause of death on month day 1943, at age 85 at death place, Virginia. [40], The group's seventeenth album, Forever, was released in November 1986. [41] By 1986, the band had scored 14 top 40 singles in the US since 1980, more than Michael Jackson. RIP Dennis Thomas, the soul and style of the seminal Kool & The Gang. Thomas was married to Phynjuar Saunders Thomas. Ronald was born on November 1, 1951, in Youngstown, Ohio, to Aminah Bayyan and Robert "Bobby" Bell. Robert "Spike" Mickens, Charles . 1 "Celebration", "Get Down on It", "Joanna", "Misled", and "Cherish". They have undergone numerous changes in personnel and have explored many musical styles throughout their history, including jazz, rhythm and blues, soul, funk, disco, rock, and pop music. Thomas, Robert "Spike" Mickens, Charles Smith, George Brown, and Ricky West to form a musical group. jasper county, missouri assessor property search, Fuzhou International Mail Processing Center, dr ntr university of health sciences transcripts, transfer google authenticator to new phone without old phone, why is there a shortage of knorr hollandaise sauce, santa barbara high school student death 2021. Bell died at his home in the U.S. Virgin Islands on Wednesday morning with. . Musician. This is a carousel with slides. Robert Spike Mickens is a composer, known for 2 Fast 2 Furious (2003), The Nice Guys (2016) and The Nutty Professor (1996). . They later went on to form the Jazziacs with friends Robert "Spike" Mickens, Dennis Thomas, Ricky Westfield, George Brown and Charles Smith - eventually becoming Kool & The Gang. Robert "Spike . Ronald Bell, one of the founder members of 1970s and 1980s pop group Kool & the Gang, has died at the age of 68. The Great New York State Fair Facebook page shared atribute to Dennis Thomason Saturday. This flower has been reported and will not be visible while under review. This account has been disabled. Despite Bell recalling the group sounding "real ragged" with lyrics at first, "Bit by bit we gained in confidence we kinda learnt how to sing as we went along. After a brief downturn, the group enjoyed a return to stardom in the '80s. In 1995, Taylor returned to the band for State of Affairs (1996), hailed as the group's "comeback" album. The reason for his death hasn't been disclosed. . Thomas , Robert "Spike" Mickens , Charles Smith , George . After a downturn, the group enjoyed a return to stardom in the 80s. Which memorial do you think is a duplicate of Robert Mickens (71021391)? Year should not be greater than current year. George Brown, Robert "Spike" Mickens, and Ricky West. She died in 1998. You may not upload any more photos to this memorial, This photo was not uploaded because this memorial already has 20 photos, This photo was not uploaded because you have already uploaded 5 photos to this memorial, This photo was not uploaded because this memorial already has 30 photos, This photo was not uploaded because you have already uploaded 15 photos to this memorial. It is their only album with guitarist Woody Sparrow who completed a temporary eight-man formation. Taylor, Deodato partnership, and commercial peak, "Songwriters Hall Of Fame Announces 2018 Inductees Songwriters Hall of Fame", "Kool & The Gang's 'Celebration' at the Marian Anderson Award ceremony", "Gold & Platinum Search Kool & the Gang Singles", "Gold & Platinum Search Kool & the Gang Albums", "Interview: Robert "Kool" Bell of Kool & The Gang", "Interview: Robert Kool Bell of Kool & The Gang", "Kool & The Gang Booking A&M Entertainment", "The Kool Gang: A guitar, a dream, recruitment", "Key Tracks: Kool & the Gang's "Ladies Night", "Kool and the Gang's Robert 'Kool' Bell: The Cream Interview", "Kool & the Gang Look Back on 50 Years of Funk", "Kool and the Gang very hot on the charts and in sports", "Gang's Still Kool After All These Years", "Kool & The Gang return to Caesars Thursday", "Kool & The Gang making the '80s their own", "Forever > Charts & Awards > Billboard Singles", "Kool & the Gang Hottest Groupof the 80s", "Advertising; Wendy's Spot Created By Lockhardt & Pettus", "Kool & The Gang 'Outstanding Achievement' Acceptance Speech 2003", "Kool and the Gang: Still Kool (Top Soul Albums)", "Kool & the Gang Honored With a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame", "The gang's back again: Kool & the Gang return home to Jersey City", "Kool & the Gang Announce New Album Perfect Union, Share New Song", "Kool & The Gang trombonist Clifford Adams dies aged 62", "Kool and the Gang trombonist and Trenton native passes away after struggle with liver cancer", "Ronald Bell, Co-Founder, Songwriter And Producer Of Kool & The Gang, Dead At 68", "Kool And The Gang Co-Founder Dennis 'D.T.' Thomas formed Kool & the Gang in 1964 with bassist Robert "Kool" Bell and his brother, the late tenor saxophonist Ronald Bell, along with drummer George Brown, guitarist Charles Smith, trumpeter Robert "Spike" Mickens and pianist Ricky Westfield. Text "RICKEY" to 71007 to join the Rickey Smiley Morning Show mobile club for exclusive news. Thank you for fulfilling this photo request. THOMAS MADE SURE THE BAND 'ALWAYS LOOKED FRESH'. The cause of death has not been released. To view a photo in more detail or edit captions for photos you added, click the photo to open the photo viewer. Mickens' and Rummell's deaths are the seventh and eighth homicides in 2022, putting the city and county on pace for a new record. [15], Their first gigs took place as the opening act to a weekly jazz night held in a local theatre every Sunday. [4], In 2021, the group released Perfect Union, their 25th studio album and first album of new material in 14 years. Whether Mickens was unduly prejudiced during closing arguments by the court allowing the State to comment on stricken witness testimony during the State's c losing argument and by forcing Mickens to use his visual aids individually instead of cumulatively during his closing argument; VIII. Ronald "Khalis" Bell died on Sept. 9 at his home. . I cant thank you enough for the hours I spent as a 7 year old playing my parents Kool & The Gangs Celebrate album over and over. The song originated from the lyric "Come on, let's all celebrate" from "Ladies' Night", which inspired Robert Bell to write "an international anthem. Robert "Spike . No official cause of death has been disclosed. 679215 Registered office: 1 London Bridge Street, London, SE1 9GF. He brought the hip jazz in the late 60s, Hollywood Swinging/Jungle Boogie, a Saturday Night Fever soundtrack, adamant to be the kings of the disco scene, and to become the most sampled act in hip-hop classics pic.twitter.com/Rx2c0wdxJs, NEW YORK STATE FAIR PAID TRIBUTE TO THOMAS. Previously sponsored memorials or famous memorials will not have this option. We can't just stand up there and play'. Kool & the Gang grew from jazz roots in the 1960s to become one of the major groups of the 1970s, blending jazz, funk, R&B and pop. Back in 1964 New Jersey teenagers - brothers Ronald "Khalis" Bell and Robert "Kool" Bell and their friends "Dee Tee," Spike Mickens, Ricky Westfield, George Brown, and Charles Smith - decided to form a band that was originally called the Jazziacs. (Photo by Rich Fury/Invision/AP, file) Rich Fury/Invision/AP. By 1979, Kool & the Gang changed musical direction in two distinct ways. No further details about his cause of death were revealed. He was an original member of the musical group "Kool and the Gang". Thomas, Ricky West, George Brown, and Charles Smith. He leaves behind a fortune of around $5million (3.8million). LOS ANGELES, June 22 (AP) Claydes Charles Smith, a founder and the lead guitarist of the group Kool and the Gang, died on Tuesday in Maplewood, N.J. Bell started the group with his brother Robert "Kool" Bell along with neighborhood friends Dennis "D.T." 1 reference. June 23, 2006 LOS ANGELES (AP) _ Claydes Charles Smith, a co-founder and lead guitarist of the group Kool & the Gang, has died. After settling on their name following several changes, the group signed to De-Lite Records and released their debut album, Kool and the Gang (1969). [58], Saxophonist Ronald "Khalis Bayyan" Bell died suddenly in September 2020; the cause of death was not announced. The cause of Dan's death is unknown pending the result of a toxicology report. Jamal Mickens, 40, fatally shot his wife in the head before turning his gun on . Bell passed away in the U.S. Virgin Islands at his home on Wednesday morning with his wife by his side, publicist. These were their final albums before their amicable split with Redd. You can always change this later in your Account settings. . . Yeah serious sad face. Get push notifications with news, features and more. Bell's death was confirmed by Tia Sinclair Bell, his wife and agent, according to Variety. June 23, 2006. The legendary music group announced Thomas'. The cause of death has not been released. Back in 1964, New Jersey teenagers - brothersRonald Khalis BellandRobertKoolBell and their friends Dee Tee,Spike Mickens, Ricky Westfield, George Brown, and CharlesSmith decided to form a band that was originally called the Jazziacs. [38], In June 1984, Kool & the Gang took time off from recording Emergency to perform at Wembley Stadium as part of a sold-out summer concert organised by Elton John. Burial: Burial Details Unknown . Robert "Spike" Mickens, Charles Smith, George Brown and Ricky West in 1964 to whip up a unique blend of jazz, soul and funk. . "[29], During their low period, the band gained some mainstream attention with their contribution of "Open Sesame" to the soundtrack of Saturday Night Fever (1977). If you have questions, please contact [emailprotected]. The cause of death has not been released. The song was declared the most-played pop song in 1984 by Broadcast Music International. He was 68. Robert "Spike . It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Robert Lee Mickens (Sumter, South Carolina), who passed away on January 19, 2023, at the age of 62, leaving to mourn family and friends. The cause of death has not been released. Dan served as a member of the Indiana House of Representatives from 2012 to . No cause of death was immediately provided. He was also the. Brokaw did not know the cause of death. https://t.co/sh9tNAtCln. Thanks for using Find a Grave, if you have any feedback we would love to hear from you. Please ensure you have given Find a Grave permission to access your location in your browser settings. . Ronald "Khalis" Bell co-wrote many of Kool and the Gang's most popular songs, including 1980's "Celebration" A cause of death was not provided. Robert L Mickens of Bay Shore, Suffolk County, New York was born on February 10, 1942. Robert "Kool" Bell, George Brown, Dennis Thomas and Robert "Spike" Mickens -- who became Kool & the Gang. Thomas, Robert "Spike" Mickens . He was 68. Rest In Power, Dennis Thomas," another said. Bell was born in Youngstown. . Kool & the Gang participated in the project. Kool & the Gang grew from jazz roots in the 1960s to become one of the major groups of the 1970s, blending jazz, funk, R&B and pop. Translation on Find a Grave is an ongoing project. "Man Kool N The Gang just lost another founding member. Illness forced Smith to stop touring with the group in January. Are you sure that you want to remove this flower? Robert "Spike . He was preceded in death by his wife, Harryetta Mickens; and son, Robert Mickens III. Bell's death was confirmed by Tia Sinclair Bell, his wife and agent, according to Variety. Shop for Vinyl, CDs and more from Robert Spike Mickens at the Discogs Marketplace. For memorials with more than one photo, additional photos will appear here or on the photos tab. This memorial has been copied to your clipboard. + Follow . "[18] Their three albums released during this time, Open Sesame (1976), The Force (1977), and Everybody's Dancin' (1978), failed to generate the same commercial or critical acclaim as their previous records.