*Co-founding #Kool & TheGang member and saxophonist Dennis #DeeTee Thomas has passed away Saturday at the age of 70.⁠
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No cause of death was announced, only that he passed away in his sleep in New Jersey. Following Thomas’ death, only two of the band’s founding members remain Ronald “Kool” Bell and drummer-keyboardist George Brown.⁠
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“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 spokesperson for the group wrote in a statement. “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.”⁠
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