Kool & the Gang are an American jazz, R&B, soul, funk and disco group, originally formed in 1964 as the Jazziacs when they were high school students in Jersey City, New Jersey. They have gone through several musical phases during the course of their career, starting out with a purist jazz sound, then becoming practitioners of R&B and funk, progressing to a smooth pop-funk ensemble, and in the post-millennium creating music with a modern, electro-pop sound. They have sold over 70 million albums worldwide. The group's main members over the years included brothers Robert Bell (known as "Kool") on bass and Ronald Bell on tenor saxophone;former lead vocalist James "J.T." Taylor; George Brown on drums; Robert Mickens on trumpet; Dennis Thomas on alto saxophone; Claydes Charles Smith on guitar, and Rick Westfield on keyboards. The Bell brothers' father was an acquaintance of Thelonious Monk and the brothers were friends with Leon Thomas. Hits In 1964, Robert formed an instrumental band called the Jazziacs with five high-school friends. They changed their name to Kool & the Gang and were signed by Gene Redd to his new record label De-Lite Records in 1969. They first hit the pop charts with the release of their debut eponymous album. Though none of the three singles from the album went far on the pop charts, their R&B success was swift and massive. Several live and studio albums followed, with 1973's “Wild and Peaceful” breaking into the mainstream with "Jungle Boogie" and "Hollywood Swinging". The 1975 single "Summer Madness" was a huge hit. “Open Sesame” which yielded the title track "Open Sesame" which achieved some success in the Saturday Night Fever soundtrack. Then came new lead singer James "J.T." Taylor who joined the group — with 1979's “Ladies' Night.” Their #1 hit in 1980's "Celebration," from “Celebrate!,” co-produced by Eumir Deodato. More international hits followed in the early 1980s, including "Big Fun," "Get Down on It" and "Joanna". Their 1984 album “Emergency” yielded four top-20 pop hits, including "Fresh" and "Cherish." They are so deserving to be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Please sign the petition and kindly circulate amongst others who you know appreciate this great American/Global band! With Gratitude. Kool&The Gang more than meet the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Criteria: To be eligible for induction as an artist (as a performer, composer, or musician) into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the artist must have released a record, in the generally accepted sense of that phrase, at least 25 years prior to the year of induction; and have demonstrated unquestionable musical excellence. We shall consider factors such as an artist's musical influence on other artists, length and depth of career and the body of work, innovation and superiority in style and technique, but musical excellence shall be the essential qualification of induction.