The Kool & the Gang legend shares his favourite spots in London, his current projects, and life beyond the stage.
Robert ‘Kool’ Bell, the legendary co-founder of Kool & the Gang, calls both New Jersey and Florida home, but his fondness for London shines through when discussing his perfect day in the city. While currently in Orlando with his cousin Tony, Bell reflects on his love for London’s landmarks and the good times spent at Ronnie Scott’s and the InterContinental at the O2.
For Bell, the perfect day in London involves a boat ride along the Thames, jokingly contemplating how far the river stretches, wondering whether it leads to the ocean. His love for shopping in London takes him to Harrods, which he compares to Macy’s in New York, a well-known spot for luxury and style.
As Kool & the Gang prepares to celebrate their 60th anniversary next year, Bell is also focusing on his business ventures, including Le Kool Champagne. He’s working to expand distribution in the UK, bringing a touch of French elegance to his champagne line. “I came up with the name ‘Le’ because I wanna have that French vibe,” he says.
Music remains central to Bell’s life, with his favourite tracks from the band, such as “Ladies’ Night,” “Jungle Boogie,” and “Celebration,” among his all-time favourites. Despite a busy schedule, Bell listens to a wide range of music, from Bruno Mars’ modern hits to the soulful sounds of Gregory Porter, and even classical music, inspired by the band’s collaboration with the German Philharmonic Orchestra.
Bell’s hero is Marvin Gaye, alongside fellow music legends Stevie Wonder and the Rolling Stones. Though he keeps his digital life to a minimum, relying on his family to manage his online presence, he shares that his personal mantra is simple yet profound: “I’m alive. I can live again. I thank God for all the blessings in the world because in this business, there’s a lot of hills and valleys. You live and learn and then you learn to live.”
When it comes to indulgence, Bell dreams of cruising the Mediterranean on a yacht, either to Sardinia or Monte Carlo, a break he describes as his greatest extravagance. “Come take a cruise on the Med with Kool!” he teases, adding a touch of fun to his luxurious fantasy.
As for his current music, Kool & the Gang’s new release, “People Just Want to Have Fun,” is out now, continuing the band’s legacy of feel-good anthems.
