The Farr Side: Kool & The Gang deserves its place in history
“… There’s a party goin’ on right here. A celebration to last throughout the years. So bring your good times and your laughter too. We gonna celebrate your party with you. Come on now.”
Don’t tell me you aren’t singing along with me right now. These are only lyrics from one of the greatest party songs of all time.
“Celebration … Let’s all celebrate and have a good time. Celebration … We gon’ celebrate and have a good time!”Of course, this song is “Celebration” by the one and only Kool & The Gang. And, who doesn’t love it? I can almost guarantee you that you’ve never gone to a wedding reception, a graduation bash, a high school reunion or any other type of gathering where music is sure to be played and not heard the iconic song. It’s just that kind of song.
Call me crazy, but “Celebration” by Kool & The Gang was the very first 45 rpm record I ever purchased with my own money. I’m pretty sure I walked out of the store like I was holding onto a million bucks. And, in my little mind, I kind of was. Music meant so much to me and being able to play that little vinyl piece of magic was just amazing to me.
As you can probably tell, I’m a fan of this band. I have been for years, too. I always appreciated their brand of music. It wasn’t just soul and R&B. It was an incredible infusion of soul, jazz, rhythm and blues, funk, disco and rock with an amazing twist of pop.
I was pretty stoked when I learned of their nomination for induction into the Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame as part of the class of 2024. I’ve always arbitrated for the band to see their name among all the others who impacted the genre. They are truly deserving of the honor.
I think it’s pretty cool to know that the guys (or some variation of the members) have been going strong since 1965. I know, right? They were founded by Robert “Kool” Bell, Ronald Bell, Dennis Thomas, Robert Mickens, Charles Smith, George Brown, Woody Sparrow and Ricky Westfield in Jersey City, New Jersey. They released their first album, “Kool & The Gang,” is 1969.
Like most new bands, they didn’t achieve any notable successes until their fourth studio album, “Wild And Peaceful,” came along. Tat album featured the hits “Jungle Boogie” and “Hollywood Swinging.” Other albums followed with mediocre success.
When James “JT” Taylor joined the lineup, things began to dramatically change. The band was about to embark on a major wave of success making them one of the most in-demand bands of the times (1979-87).
The albums “Ladies Night,” “Celebrate!” “Something Special,” “As One,” ”In The Heart,” “Emergency” and “Forever” were massive smashes. But, the songs were even bigger hits. Tracks like “Celebration,” “Tonight,” “Get Down On It,” “Big Fun,” “Let’s Go Dancin’ (Ooh La, La La),” “Joanna,” “Fresh,” “Misled,” “Cherish” and “Victory”dominated the airwaves.
My middle school dances come to mind when I think of the band’s album, “Emergency.” Those songs just defined that time. I may have learned to slow dance to “Cherish.”
I could go on for several more paragraphs praising this band’s legacy. With more than 68 singles to their credit, several awards including Grammys, American Music Awards and the Soul Train Legends Award, they deserve to be in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. They are already inducted into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame and the Songwriter’s Hall of Fame.
Fan voting is still open at rockhall.com. You can vote once per day on the site.
— David T. Farr is a Journal correspondent. Email im at farrboy@hotmail.com.
This article originally appeared on The Holland Sentinel: The Farr Side: Kool & The Gang deserves its place in history
