Ronald Bell was an American composer, singer, songwriter, arranger, and producer who was well-known as the co-founding member of the popular American band, “Kool & the Gang”(1964). The “Kool & the Gang” band was formed in Jersey City, New Jersey, in 1964 by Bell himself and with his brother, Robert “Kool” Bell.
Having started his career since 1968, Bell had managed to establish himself as one of the prominent musicians in Hollywood within his career tenure of over 53 years till 2020. Also known by the name of Khalis Bayyan, Ronald Bell passed away at age of 68 on September 9, 2020, at his home in the United States Virgin Islands. Bell practiced the Muslim religion and is survived by his 10 children with his wife, Tia Sinclair Bell.
What was Ronald Bell Famous for?
- Famous as a co-founding member of the popular American band, “Kool & the Gang”(1964).
Where was Ronald Bell Born?
Ronald Bell was born on November 1, 1951, in Youngstown, Ohio, United States. His birth name was Ronald Nathan Bell. His nationality was American. Bell belonged to African-American ethnicity while Scorpio was his zodiac sign. His religion was Muslim.
Ronald Bell was born as the son to mother, Aminah Bayyan(1932–2014), and father, Robert “Bobby” Bell (1929–1985). His father, Robert was a professional boxer and Golden Gloves amateur boxing winner. He grew up along with his brother, Robert “Kook” Bell, also known by the name of Muhammad Bayyan was also a musician, singer, and songwriter.
Bell got trained in Elwood, New York, during which he hung out with jazz players and became friends with Miles Davis and Thelonious Monk, who lived in the same apartment building as his elder brother did. When he was 9, his family moved to Jersey City, New Jersey, in 1960, subsequently, after 4 years in 1964, Bell along with his elder brother became the founding members of the popular American band, “Kool & the Gang”. When the band was formed he was just 13 years old.
How Did Ronald Bell Die?
Ronald Bell died on September 9, 2020, at his home in the United States Virgin Islands. He was 68 years old when he died with an unknown cause of death in 2020 during the pandemic of COVID-19. He would have celebrated his 69t birthday on November 1, 2020, if he hadn’t died in September.
His uncalled death has left many of his loved ones, family, and relatives in shook. He is survived by his wife, Tia Sinclair Bell, and his 10 children.
Source: @dailymirror
Ronald Bell’s Career Highlights
Ronald Bell began his professional career being the co-founding member of the American band, “Kool & the Gang” in 1964. The band was formed with members including Dennis “D.T.” Thomas, Robert “Spike” Mickens, Charles Smith, George Brown, and Ricky West.
They together created a distinctive musical blend of jazz, soul, and funk. They initially called themselves, “The Jazziacs” and went through various names New Dimensions, The Soul Town Band, and Kool & the Flames, finally setting their name “Kool & the Gang” in 1968.
Bell composed, arranged, produced, and performed much popular music worldwide. Though being a self-taught musician, Bell managed to establish himself as one of the inspiring composers and musicians of all time with his several hit music. His distinctive sound is even on the group’s horn lines, bass, synthesizer, and vocals.
Bell wrote and produced many of the band’s songs including “Celebration”, “Cherish”, “Jungle Boogie”, “Summer Madness”, and “Open Sesame”. “Kool & The Gang” even had won the Album of the Year GRAMMY Award in 1979 at the 21st GRAMMY Awards for their inclusion on the Saturday Night Fever soundtrack.
After his death, several shows have been showing the honor to his best music that he left behind.
Source: @informationcradle
Who was Ronald Bell Married to?
Ronald Bell was married to his only wife, Tia Sinclair Bell. Together with Tia, Ronald had 10 children: Khadijah, Rasheed, Nadirah, Liza, Maryam, Aminah, Jennah, Khalis, Asia, and James. Bell was also the father of singer Rachid “Rasalus” Bell, who is also a popular singer and often performs under the stage name “Ra”.
From his children, Bell already had turned to be grandfather years ago he died.
What was the Net Worth of Ronald Bell?
Ronald Bell had quite good earnings from his professional career as a musician and also as a composer. With his initial step of moving ahead in his career since an early age of 13, Bell had undoubtedly managed to amass a healthy fortune from his several songs, albums. His net worth was estimated to be around $8 million.
How Tall was Ronald Bell?
Ronald Bell was a good-looking charming man in his late 60s when he died. Bell had a height of 5ft. 6inch. while his body weight was around 65kg. He had a brown complexion with bald hair and brown eyes.
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