Dennis Thomas

Dennis "Dee Tee" Ronald Thomas (February 9, 1951 – August 7, 2021) was an American alto saxophone player, flautist, and percussionist, who was a founding member of R&B/soul/funk band Kool & the Gang, and one of the few members to remain with the band for over 50 years, from its foundation in 1964 until his death in 2021. In 1964, Thomas—then only thirteen years old—co-founded Kool & the Gang (initially called "The Jazziacs") with brothers Ronald Bell and Robert "Kool" Bell, and other friends.

In 2024, Thomas was posthumously inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, as a member of Kool & the Gang.

Personal life and death Thomas married Phynjuar Saunders, with whom he had two children, including actress Michelle Thomas known for her roles in The Cosby Show, Family Matters, and The Young and the Restless. The couple lived in Montclair, New Jersey.

Discography

Studio albums

Live albums

Singles YearSingle1969"Kool and the Gang""The Gang's Back Again" (A-side)"Kool's Back Again" (B-side)1970"Kool It (Here Comes The Fuzz)""Let the Music Take Your Mind""Funky Man"1971"Who's Gonna Take the Weight (Part One)""I Want to Take You Higher""N.T. Part I"1972"Love the Life You Live, Part I""Music Is the Message (Part 1)""Funky Granny""Good Times"1973"Country Junky""Funky Stuff""Jungle Boogie"1974"Hollywood Swinging""Higher Plane""Rhyme Tyme People"1975"Spirit of the Boogie" (A-side)"Summer Madness" (B-side)"Caribbean Festival"1976"Love and Understanding (Come Together)""Universal Sound""Open Sesame - Part 1"1977"Super Band"1978"Slick Superchick""A Place in Space""I Like Music""Everybody's Dancin'"1979"Ladies' Night""Too Hot"1980"Hangin' Out""Celebration"1981"Take It to the Top""Jones vs. Jones""Take My Heart (You Can Have It If You Want It)""Steppin' Out""Get Down on It"1982"No Show""Big Fun""Let's Go Dancin' (Ooh La, La, La)""Hi De Hi, Hi De Ho"1983"Street Kids""Straight Ahead""Joanna"1984"Tonight""(When You Say You Love Somebody) In the Heart""Fresh""Misled"1985"Cherish""Emergency"1986"Victory"1987"Stone Love""Holiday""Special Way""Peace Maker"1988"Rags to Riches""Strong""Celebration" (remix)1989"Raindrops""Never Give Up"1991"Get Down on It" (remix)1992"(Jump Up on The) Rhythm and Ride"1996"Salute to the Ladies"2003"Ladies Night" (with Atomic Kitten)2004"Fresh" (with Liberty X)"Too Hot" (with Lisa Stansfield)"Get Down on It" (with Blue & Lil' Kim)2005"Hollywood Swinging" (with Jamiroquai)"No Show" (featuring Blackstreet)2006"Steppin' into Love"2010"Miss Lead" (ft. Towanna)2016"Sexy (Where'd You Get Yours)"2021"Pursuit of Happiness" (Rap Version)