JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Robert “Kool” Bell said it’s been a blessing to be able to still perform after headlining Friday at the Jacksonville Jazz Festival.
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Kool and the Gang have been making people get up and dance for decades at weddings, after parties, graduation ceremonies, and sold-out stadium concerts.
Press the play button above to watch the full interview.
Bell said it’s been wonderful to be back in Jacksonville, and he remembered performing in 2005 when the city hosted the Super Bowl.
“The weather dropped to 40 degrees, which was unusual for the Super Bowl,” he said.
Bell then talked about the longevity that he’s had in his career.
“It’s a blessing to be around for all that time,” Bell said. “We started back in 1964, and we had several name changes. The first name we had was the Jazziacs, then we changed to Kool and the Flames...then Kool and the Gang in 1969.”
They’ve been awarded two Grammys, seven American Music Awards, and 31 gold and platinum albums.
He’s been all over the world, but made a stop Friday night in Jacksonville to perform in the Jazz Festival.
He played his famous bass old-time favorites like Jungle Boogie, Celebration, Get Down on It, and more.
He said the age range of his audience is pretty diverse.
“About 8 to 80. They all know our music,” Bell said.
He extended his talents into other fields besides music. He’s an entrepreneur with his own champagne collection called “Le Kool.”
Bell also started the Kool Kids Foundation with his late wife, a nonprofit that supports music education for youth, especially in underfunded communities.
“We had ‘It’s cool to stay in school.’ So isn’t it cool to stay in school?” he said.
Kool and his gang, spreading joy to everyone around the world.
