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Kool & the Gang founding member Dennis Thomas dies aged 70

Dennis 'Dee Tee' Thomas, a founding member of the long-running soul-funk band Kool & the Gang died at age 70.

He passed away peacefully in his sleep on Saturday in Montclair, New Jersey, according to a statement from his representative.

Fans of Thomas and the band mourned his passing on social media.   

Thomas was the alto sax player, flutist and percussionist for the band, known for such hits as Celebration and Get Down On It.

He served as master of ceremonies at the band's shows, making his last appearance with the group on July Fourth at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles.

Born February 9, 1951, in Orlando, Florida, Thomas was known for his prologue on the band's 1971 hit, Who's Gonna Take The Weight.

Known for his hip clothes and hats, he was also the group's wardrobe stylist. 

In the early days, he served as their budget hawk, carrying their earnings in a paper bag stuffed into the bell of his horn, the statement said.

In 1964,  Thomas and his six friends created the group's unique bland of jazz, soul and funk. 

The group's other founders are brothers Ronald and Robert Bell, and Spike Mickens, Ricky Westfield, George Brown and Charles Smith.

The teens first called themselves the Jazziacs. They went through several iterations before settling on Kool & the Gang in 1969.

The band has earned two Grammy Awards and seven American Music Awards. They were honored in 2014 with a Soul Train Lifetime Achievement Award.

Their music is heavily sampled and featured on film sound tracks, including those for Rocky, Saturday Night Fever and Pulp Fiction.

Among those Thomas is survived by are his wife, Phynjuar Saunders Thomas, daughter Tuesday Rankin and sons David Thomas and Devin Thomas.

Ronald 'Khalis' Bell, a co-founder and singer of the group Kool & the Gang, also died at the age of 68 last year.  

PA Media and Ronny Reyes For Dailymail.Com