Kool & Gang Guitarist Charles Smith Passes

Kool & The Gang

KOOL & THE GANG co-founder and lead guitarist CLAYDES “CHARLES” SMITH has passed, following  a prolonged illness. SMITH was a native of NEW JERSEY and partnered with ROBERT “KOOL” BELL, RONALD BELL, (who later changed his name to KHALIS BAYYAN), GEORGE BROWN and DENNIS THOMAS. He co-wrote many of the band’s biggest hits, including “CELEBRATION,” “HOLLYWOOD SWINGIN’” and “JOANNA.” He was 57.

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