BLACK MUSIC MONTH SPOTLIGHT: KOOL & THE GANG

buzzz worthy. . .

The Slice Salutes Kool & The Gang for its enormous contribution to the world of music!

A group of East Coast brothers and their friends formed a band in the 60's that went through several name changes (including Kool and the Flames) before they settled on  the name now known the world over, Kool & The Gang. Selling over 70 million albums worldwide the band influenced the music of three generations. With the popularity of  songs like Celebration, Cherish, Summer Madness and Open Sesame, Kool & The Gang has earned two Grammy® Awards, seven American Music Awards and amassed 25 Top Ten R&B hits, nine Top Ten Pop hits and 31 gold and platinum albums.  Led by James "JT" Taylor singer, the song "Celebration" from the  1980 album release "Celebrate" became a party and special occasion staple. Taylor became a solo act. This summer check out the remaining members of Kool & The Gang as they  tour with Kid Rock.

ABOUT BLACK MUSIC MONTH

The month of June is designated as Black Music Month.  In 2012, President Barack Obama  began in 1979 when Kenny Gamble, Ed Wright, and Dyana Williams developed the idea to set aside a month dedicated to celebrating the impact of black music. Created by music business insiders, the group successfully lobbied President Jimmy Carter to host a reception on June 7th, 1979 to formally recognize the cultural and financial contributions of black music. Since 1979, Black Music Month has grown from a commemoration to national proportions with extravaganza across the country.

In 2000, US-Representative Chaka Fattah sponsored House Resolution 509, which formally recognized the importance of Black music on culture and the economy during President Bill Clinton’s administration.

In 2009, President Barack Obama further defined June as African American Music Appreciation Month who declared the start of summer as a celebration for all the black "musicians, composers, singers, and songwriters [who] have made enormous contributions to our culture." (Ref: African American Music Museum).