Kool & The Gang concert in Monaco
Few bands have defined feel-good music across multiple generations quite like Kool & The Gang.
With a career spanning over five decades, the group has delivered some of the most iconic songs in funk, R&B, soul, and pop, becoming synonymous with parties, celebrations, and dance floors around the world.
Since 2006, the Monte-Carlo Summer Festival has brought together the greatest names in the history of music, which have built the international reputation of Salle des Etoiles.
Figureheads of the disco era from Jersey City, Kool & The Gang puts Salle des Etoiles into a festive mood on 13 August, with its funk-infused groove.
Practical information:
- Date: 13 August 2025
- Price: Dinner-show – 400 euros
- Location: Salle des Etoiles, Sporting Monte-Carlo, 26 Avenue Princesse Grace, 98000 Monaco
- Information and reservations: +377 98 06 36 36 / ticketoffice@sbm.mc
Kool & The Gang: The Timeless Groove Masters of Funk, Soul, and Celebration
Formed in 1964 in Jersey City, New Jersey, the group originally started as The Jazziacs before adopting the name Kool & The Gang, a nod to founding member Robert “Kool” Bell. The band’s early years were heavily influenced by jazz, but they quickly began fusing jazz with soul, funk, and rhythm & blues, creating a signature sound built on tight horn sections, infectious basslines, and catchy melodies.
Their breakthrough came in the early 1970s with songs like “Jungle Boogie” and “Hollywood Swinging”, both of which became funk anthems. The band’s ability to craft irresistible grooves combined with their energetic live performances quickly made them a favorite on the funk scene. Their music became known for its positive energy, danceable rhythms, and sense of fun, appealing to both R&B audiences and crossover pop fans.
In the late 1970s and early 1980s, Kool & The Gang evolved their sound by incorporating disco and pop influences, leading to one of the most successful periods of their career. The addition of lead vocalist James “J.T.” Taylor in 1979 proved to be a turning point. With his smooth vocals, the group produced global hits like “Ladies’ Night”, “Get Down On It”, “Cherish”, and their biggest hit, “Celebration”. “Celebration” became an international anthem, played at weddings, sports victories, and milestones of all kinds, embodying joy and unity.
What sets Kool & The Gang apart is their versatility. While their roots were firmly planted in funk and R&B, they effortlessly adapted to the changing sounds of the times, whether it was disco, pop, or smooth soul, without losing the essence of their groove. Their distinctive blend of tight rhythms, uplifting lyrics, and infectious hooks has allowed their music to transcend trends and generations.
Throughout the decades, Kool & The Gang’s music has been sampled, covered, and remixed by countless artists, influencing genres from hip-hop to modern pop. Songs like “Jungle Boogie” became staples for both music lovers and filmmakers, featured in iconic soundtracks such as Pulp Fiction. Their influence can be heard in the works of artists like Janet Jackson, Jay-Z, and The Beastie Boys, all of whom have drawn inspiration from their rich catalog.
Despite lineup changes and the passing of founding members, Kool & The Gang continues to tour and perform worldwide, spreading the same positive energy and celebration that marked their early days. Their legacy is not only found in their chart-topping hits but also in the countless memories they’ve soundtracked for people across the globe.
Simply put, when you hear Kool & The Gang, you know it’s time to get down on it.
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