Dennis ‘Dee Dee’ Thomas, the founder and saxophonist of the American band ‘Kool & the Gang’, died at age of 70 on Saturday, according to US media reports.

The musician passed away in his sleep in New Jersey, according to a spokesperson.

The statement from Thomas’ spokesperson described him as an “extremely private person” but also labelled him as “the quintessential cool cat in the group”, according to reports from The Hollywood Reporter.

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Thomas, who was often called “Dee Tee”, was one of the most prominent and recognisable member of the ‘Kool & the Gang’ as he engaged with his audience in multiple capacities. ‘Dee Tee’ was the flutist, saxophone player, percussionist and also the designated master of ceremonies, whenever the band conducted a show.

The 70-year-old’s most recent and major public appearance was on July 4 earlier this year in California’s Los Angeles with his group at the Hollywood Bowl, according to reports from the Hollywood Reporter.

Dee Tee’s band, which has been together for more than five decades, is highly lauded for songs like ‘Summer Madness’, ‘Celebration’ and ‘Cherish’. The songs produced by ‘Kool & the Gang’ were also used in highly celebrated Hollywood movies like ‘Rocky’ and ‘Pulp Fiction’. Other famous songs included ‘Get Down on it’, ‘Take my heart’ and ‘Jungle Boogie’.

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In their 50 year long journey, ‘Kool & the Gang’ has garnered multiple accolades. These include seven American Music Awards, inclusion in the Hall of Fame in New Jersey, a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, a Soul Train Legend Award and two Grammy Awards, according to reports from the Hollywood Reporter.

The gang lost another ‘Kool’ member in September last year. Khalis Bell, who was the co-founder of the famous American band, passed away at the age of 68.