Dennis Thomas, founding member of American band Kool & the Gang, dies

Dennis ‘Dee Tee’ Thomas, one of the founding members of the legendary R&B group Kool & the Gang, died Saturday in his sleep, according to a statement from the group. He was 70 years of age.

“An original member of Kool & the Gang, Dennis was known as the quintessential cool cat in the group, loved for his hip clothes and hats, and his laid-back demeanor… A huge personality while also an extremely private person, Dennis was the alto saxophone player, flutist, percussionist as well as master of ceremonies at the band's shows,” the band said in a statement posted to Facebook.

Thomas was one of the seven teenagers who had originally formed the band that would go on to be known as Kool & the Gang in 1964, alongside Ronald Bell and Robert ‘Kool’ Bell, Spike Mickens, Ricky Westfield, George Brown, and Charles Smith.

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Thomas' sonic contributions included the band’s 1971 hit ‘Who's Gonna Take the Weight’.

Dennis ‘Dee Tee’ is survived by his wife Phynjuar Saunders Thomas and three children.