Thomas co-founded Kool & the Gang in 1964 along with school friends including Robert “Kool” Bell and Ronald Bell (1951–2020). Thomas was a self-taught musician who played alto saxophone, flute, and percussion. The band became wildly popular in the 1970s and ‘80s, with hit singles including “Get Down on It,” “Ladies’ Night,” and the enduring No. 1 hit “Celebration.” Thomas was known for his stylish clothing. The band noted in a statement that in their early days, Thomas was their “budget hawk,” known for “carrying the group’s earnings in a paper bag in the bell of his horn.”
Tributes to Dennis “Dee Tee” Thomas
On August 7, 2021, Dennis Thomas (known as “Dee Tee”), beloved husband, father and a co-founder of Kool & the Gang, passed away peacefully in his sleep at the age of 70 in New Jersey. pic.twitter.com/Xp9W1TOIA9
The Great New York State Fair mourns the loss of a great musician. Kool & The Gang co-founder Dennis "Dee Tee" Thomas died in his sleep today at home in New Jersey, age 70. He and the band played the Fair three times, most recently in 2017. pic.twitter.com/jgbQCRuhlg
Rest In Peace Dennis Thomas. Thank you for the amazing music! 🎶 “Dee Tee” with brothers Robert “Kool” and Ronald Bell created funk band “Kool & the Gang” in 1964. #dennisthomas#koolandthegangpic.twitter.com/SX9z82GvFf
This truly makes me sad. I have seen Kool & the Gang perform live more than 20 times through the years and, believe me, DT was as cool as it gets. RIP DT – you will be missed 😢 https://t.co/2HXR8uBLmk
News editor, Legacy.com. Named 2017's Obituary Writer of the Year by the Society of Professional Obituary Writers. Quoted by CNN, the New York Times, and Macleans.
