Led by the teenage Bell brothers of Jersey City, New Jersey, the group originated as a traditional jazz outfit called The Jazziacs in 1964. By the end of the decade, they tapped into their signature funk sound and released their debut album under their new name: Kool & the Gang. Since then, they have sold over 70 million albums worldwide.
Their commercial breakthrough came in 1973 with the release of their fourth album, Wild and Peaceful, that yielded the hits "Funky Stuff," "Jungle Boogie," and "Hollywood Swinging."
Renowned Brazilian producer Eumir Deodato helped pull them out of a career slump in the late '70s by giving them an identifiable lead singer in James "JT" Taylor and infusing their funky sound with a touch of airy pop and a healthy dose of smooth R&B. The result was the classic album Ladies' Night.
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