Claydes ‘Charles’ Smith the lead guitarist and co-founder of Kool & The Gang has died at the age of 57.
The star died in Maplewood New Jersey last week after a long battle with illness.
The band’s manager Tia Sinclair said in a statement: “We’ve lost a member of our family as well as an infinitely gifted and creative artist who was with the band from the very beginning.”
Smith penned such Kool & the Gang hits as ‘Joanna’ and ‘Take My Heart’ and was co-writer of ‘Celebration’, Jungle Boogey’ and ‘Hollywood Swinging.’
Smith was forced top quit touring with the band in January this year due to his illness.
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