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76. Kool & the Gang

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76.  Kool & the Gang

There are many people who first heard of Kool & the Gang from the monster hit, Celebration in 1980. After that, the band churned out multiple hits of the softer R&B vibe that generated much success. However, like a few other artists on this list we can’t help but feel that we are discussing two different careers as the Kool & the Gang of the 1970s was much different than the decade that followed.

Originally forming as a Jazz band, Kool & the Gang soon would implement Funk and Soul which led to a series of albums that charted well on the R&B charts. Some of Kool’s efforts managed to crossover into mainstream Pop success. In retrospect, the work of Kool & the Gang has occasionally been compared to that of Parliament and James Brown. It was however when singer, J.T. Taylor was brought in that their sound shifted to a hybrid of Funk and Pop that gave them a six-year run of chart success. As successful as this period was, it ironically may not help them get inducted, as their earlier work had the originality that the Hall genuinely looks for. Should the Hall look at their entire body of work and not just their 80’s chart success, their chances will improve.


FilmStrip Rock.Kool and the Gang


www.koolandthegang.com
 

Should Kool & the Gang be in the Hall of Fame?

Definitely put them in! - 85.6%
Maybe, but others deserve it first. - 9%
Probably not, but it wouldn't be the end of the world. - 2.4%
No opinion. - 0.6%
No way! - 2.4%

The Bullet Points

  • Previous Rank: 2011: #112
    2012: #107
    2013: #94
    2014: #87
    2015: #85
    2016: #81
  • Eligible Since: Sunday, 01 January 1995
  • Country of Origin: U.S.A. (Jersey City, NJ)
  • Why they will get in: Their entire body of work is certainly Hall worthy.
  • Why they won't get in: The Hall voters may only look at their 80s work which although commercially successful, was not critically acclaimed.
  • Nominated in: Never
  • Essential Albums: Wild and Peaceful (1973)
    Light of Words (1974)
    Celebration (1980)
    Something Special (1981)
  • Our Five Favorite Songs as Chosen by Each Member of the NIHOF Committee: Jungle Boogie (From Wild and Peaceful, 1973)
    Hollywood Swinging (From Wild and Peaceful, 1973)
    Too Hot (From Ladies’ Night, 1979)
    Get Down On It (From Something Special, 1981)
    Misled (From Emergency, 1984)

Should Kool & the Gang be in the Hall of Fame?

Definitely put them in! - 85.6%
Maybe, but others deserve it first. - 9%
Probably not, but it wouldn't be the end of the world. - 2.4%
No opinion. - 0.6%
No way! - 2.4%
Last modified on Saturday, 27 May 2023 19:53

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