By Maurice Smith
Los Angeles, CA (The Hollywood Times) 9/8/24 – Robert “Kool” Bell epitomizes the American success story. A legendary musician and co-founder of Kool & the Gang, Bell has also made significant strides in the business world with his award-winning champagne brand, Le Kool. Set to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in October 2024, Bell continues to honor his late wife, Sakinah Bell, through various philanthropic efforts.
The Kool Kids Foundation, established by Robert and Sakinah, empowers youth by providing musical instruments and instruction. In an August interview with Aspire Magazine, Bell shared his vision for the foundation. He stated, “My wife and I believed that music’s magical power could endow children with self-esteem, enhanced character, and integrity.
Through composition, music can divert kids from the influences of drugs, gangs, and street life. Kool Kids Foundation will continue to bridge the gap between the haves and have-nots, providing mentorship and fostering a positive trajectory for inner-city youth.”
Beyond the Kool Kids Foundation, Robert Bell extends his impact globally through Just Kool Enterprise, which aids nations in Africa and Italy, among others. In his wife’s memory, he also supports humanitarian work as an ambassador for REACH (Renewable Energy Applications to Conserve Humanity) and collaborates with the Galvin Center for Electricity Innovation at the Illinois Institute of Technology. Additionally, Bell and Sakinah co-founded an artist management company with Cosa Ross and Tony Johnson, enhancing guidance for new artists through London Gate Management.
In the entrepreneurial realm, Bell has launched Le Kool, a multifaceted wine label catering to diverse markets. His latest venture involves partnering with Accutron to showcase the Le Kool Champagne Timepiece. Jeffrey Cohen, President of Citizen Watch America, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, noting, “Working with Robert Kool Bell aligns with Accutron’s vision of unique partnerships that celebrate Americana culture. His passion for champagne mirrors the essence of our brand and opens new doors for exploration.”
Kool & the Gang’s influence remains strong, with their music sampled over 1,800 times by hip-hop artists and featured in various commercials and events, including the 2024 Olympics in Paris. The band’s style, both infectious and unique, has significantly contributed to the hip-hop movement.
Over their remarkable 50-year career, Kool & the Gang has achieved multi-platinum status, won two Grammy Awards, an American Music Award, and sold over 80 million albums worldwide. They have garnered 25 top ten R&B hits, nine top ten pop hits, and 31 gold and platinum albums. The band was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2018 and will be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in October 2024 in their hometown of Ohio.
In the words of Kool Bell, “You never know when you’re going to go, so do the right thing.” This sentiment resonates through the songs “Cherish the Life, Cherish the Love” and “Celebrate Good Times,” exemplifying the band’s legacy. Their artistry, which transcends time, continues to inspire and uplift, proving that the magic of the arts can fill the spiritual void and add joy to life.
Other Noteworthy Awards:
- Induction into the New Jersey Hall of Fame.
- A street in Jersey City renamed in their honor: “Kool & the Gang Way.”
- “Celebration” inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame.
- Kool’s bass is displayed at the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, DC.
- Artifacts from the band’s archive are on display at the Grammy Museum Experience in Newark, NJ.
