About Me
Links
- lifestyle blog
- ryze
- friendster
Skype: daveavran
Google Talk: dave.avran
Windows Live: dave_avran
Email: dave.avran@gmail.com
Archives
- 03/01/2004 - 04/01/2004
- 04/01/2004 - 05/01/2004
- 05/01/2004 - 06/01/2004
- 06/01/2004 - 07/01/2004
- 07/01/2004 - 08/01/2004
- 08/01/2004 - 09/01/2004
- 09/01/2004 - 10/01/2004
- 10/01/2004 - 11/01/2004
- 11/01/2004 - 12/01/2004
- 12/01/2004 - 01/01/2005
- 01/01/2005 - 02/01/2005
- 02/01/2005 - 03/01/2005
- 03/01/2005 - 04/01/2005
- 04/01/2005 - 05/01/2005
- 05/01/2005 - 06/01/2005
- 06/01/2005 - 07/01/2005
- 07/01/2005 - 08/01/2005
- 08/01/2005 - 09/01/2005
- 09/01/2005 - 10/01/2005
- 10/01/2005 - 11/01/2005
- 11/01/2005 - 12/01/2005
- 12/01/2005 - 01/01/2006
- 01/01/2006 - 02/01/2006
- 02/01/2006 - 03/01/2006
- 03/01/2006 - 04/01/2006
- 04/01/2006 - 05/01/2006
- 05/01/2006 - 06/01/2006
- 06/01/2006 - 07/01/2006
- 07/01/2006 - 08/01/2006
- 08/01/2006 - 09/01/2006
- 09/01/2006 - 10/01/2006
- 10/01/2006 - 11/01/2006
- 11/01/2006 - 12/01/2006
- 12/01/2006 - 01/01/2007
- 01/01/2007 - 02/01/2007
- 11/01/2007 - 12/01/2007
- 12/01/2007 - 01/01/2008
- 01/01/2008 - 02/01/2008
- 02/01/2008 - 03/01/2008
"You don't have to swim faster than the shark, just faster than the guy next to you." - Anonymous
Sunday, June 25, 2006
Although rarely known by his name, "Kool and the Gang's Claydes Charles Smith, 57; co-Founder of '70s group Kool & the Gang is one the pioneers of modern rhythm guitar, along with such legends as Curtis Mayfield and The James Brown Band's Jimmy Nolen. What began as funk has expanded to spice up hip-hop, blues, pop, and rock music. His funky rhythm/lead hybrid style can be heard most clearly in much of Prince's rhythm work, in the blues stylings of Chico Banks' chords, and in much of James Williamson's work with Iggy Pop.
Charles died Tuesday in Maplewood, New Jersey, after a long illness.
Kool & the Gang grew from jazz roots in the 1960s to become a popular musical group of the 1970s, blending jazz, funk, R&B and pop. After a downturn, the group enjoyed a return to success in the '80s.
Charles wrote the hits "Joanna" and "Take My Heart," and co-wrote "Celebration," "Hollywood Swinging" and "Jungle Boogie."
Born Sept. 6, 1948, in Jersey City, N.J., Smith was introduced to jazz guitar by his father in the early 1960s. Later that decade he was in a group of New Jersey jazz musicians — including Ronald Bell, Robert "Kool" Bell, George Brown, Dennis Thomas and Robert "Spike" Mickens — who became Kool & the Gang. Other members would include lead singer James "J.T." Taylor.
I grew up on their music. Thank you, Charles. I know you’re up there with all the other greats like Marvin and Ray and I know you’re still making music.
