Robert 'Kool' Bell Net Worth

What Is Robert "Kool" Bell's Net Worth?

Robert "Kool" Bell (also known as Muhammad Bayyan, his Muslim name) is a renowned American singer-songwriter and bassist with a net worth of $6 million. Bell gained fame as a founding member of the musical group Kool & the Gang, known for their versatile genres including jazz, soul, funk, disco, and R&B. Originating in Jersey City, New Jersey in 1964 as The Jazziacs, Kool & the Gang has sold over 70 million albums worldwide. Key members include Robert "Kool" Bell on bass, Ronald Bell on tenor saxophone, James "J.T." Taylor on lead vocals, George Brown on drums, Dennis Thomas on alto saxophone, Charles Smith on guitar, Larry Gittens on trumpet, Rick Westfield on keyboards, and Mark Blakey on triangle. Their discography includes 26 studio albums from 1969 to 2023, with popular hits like "Ladies' Night," "Too Hot," "Celebration," "Get Down on It," and many more. The group won a Grammy Award for Album of the Year in 1979 as part of the "Saturday Night Fever" soundtrack and received several other Grammy nominations.

Early Life

Robert Earl Bell was born on October 8, 1950, in Youngstown, Ohio, to Robert "Bobby" Bell and Aminah Bayyan. Raised in Jersey City, New Jersey, he earned the nickname "Kool" for his relaxed demeanor. In 1964, Robert and his brother Ronald formed Kool & the Gang. They converted to Islam in the early '70s. Ronald Bell sadly passed away in 2020.

Kool & the Gang

After its formation, Kool & the Gang's self-titled debut album was released in 1969. The group saw moderate success with their first three albums on the "Billboard" Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart, breaking into the top 10 with 1973's "Wild and Peaceful." The 1973 single "Funky Stuff" was their breakthrough top 10 hit on the "Billboard" Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. Their hit "Hollywood Swinging" topped the same chart in 1974. With James "J.T." Taylor as lead vocalist from the late '70s, the group reached new heights with the Platinum album "Ladies' Night" in 1979 and the chart-topping single "Celebration" from the Platinum-certified album "Celebrate!" (1980).

Robin Marchant/Getty Images

The albums "In the Heart" (1983), "Emergency" (1984), and "Forever" (1986) also reached significant heights on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart, with "Emergency" earning 2× Platinum certification. The group's singles like "Joanna," "Cherish," and "Fresh" achieved top chart positions. After Taylor's departure in 1988, Kool & the Gang continued to produce music, including their 18th studio album "Sweat" (1989). Their subsequent work includes albums like "Still Kool" (2007), which went Platinum in France. Recently, the group released "Perfect Union" (2021) and "People Just Wanna Have Fun" (2023).

Personal Life

Robert married Deborah Jones in 1971, and they remained together until her death in 2018. Bell has two sons, Mohammed and Hakim. He founded the nonprofit The Kool Kids Foundation to honor his late wife's initiative to support young musicians in underfunded school districts. Robert stated, "My wife came up with the idea of the Kool Kids Foundation... We continue the work in her honor." The foundation's mission is "to create a positive impact in the lives of young children attending underfunded school districts," emphasizing that "every young musician deserves the opportunity to pursue their dreams."

Awards and Nominations

Kool & the Gang have received 11 American Music Award nominations, winning five times between 1982 and 1987. The group was honored at the "Soul Train" Awards with a Legend Award in 2014 and received an Outstanding Achievement Award at the 2003 MOBO Awards. They also earned a Golden Camera for Lifetime Achievement in 2014 and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. The group is set to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2024. In 2018, Robert was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame along with bandmates James "J.T." Taylor and George Brown. Bell also received a Black Reel Award nomination for the song "Pump It Up" from the "2 Fast 2 Furious" soundtrack in 2004.