SevenSeasJim Posted June 23, 2006 Report Share Posted June 23, 2006 LOS ANGELES, California (AP) -- Claydes Charles Smith, a co-founder and lead guitarist of the group Kool & the Gang, has died. He was 57.Smith died Tuesday in Maplewood, New Jersey, after a long illness, his publicist said.Kool & the Gang grew from jazz roots in the 1960s to become one of the major groups of the 1970s, blending jazz, funk, R&B and pop. After a downturn, the group enjoyed a return to stardom in the '80s.Smith wrote the hits "Joanna" and "Take My Heart," and was a co-writer of others, including "Celebration," "Hollywood Swinging" and "Jungle Boogie."Smith was introduced to jazz guitar by his father in the early 1960s.Later in that decade, he was in a group of New Jersey jazz musicians, including Ronald Bell (later Khalis Bayyan), Robert "Kool" Bell, George Brown, Dennis Thomas and Robert "Spike" Mickens, who became Kool & the Gang. Other members would include lead singer James "JT" Taylor. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Chameleon Posted June 23, 2006 Report Share Posted June 23, 2006 [color:navy]Man, that sucks! I loved his playing, real funky otave feel. He also help wirte some of the funkiest anthems of all time. He will be missed. I saw Kool & the Gang in October at Casino Niagra, and they were at the top of thier game. So glad I made that show now.. R.I.P. Claydes Charles Smith Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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