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Happy Black History Month! You may know that the first observance took place at Kent State in early 1970, back when the civil rights movement was still fresh in memory and the Black Power movement was just ramping up. But did you know that funk pioneers Kool & the Gang dropped their eponymous debut mere weeks before the first Black History Month? It’s a curious cultural crossroad, but also pretty remarkable that they’re both still going strong in 2023.
Kool & the Gang are responsible for some of the most recognizable, influential, and enduring soul-funk-R&B hits of the ’70s and ’80s; chances are, regardless of your age, you’ve heard them in some shape or form. The latest generation of the Gang (which includes Robert “Kool” Bell himself and founding drummer “Funky” Brown) makes history once again 8PM this Saturday at ACL Live at the Moody Theater along with opener/KUTX favorite Tameca Jones. And if you don’t think their newer stuff captures the aura of all their best ’80s bops, mingle with rising R&B star Sha Sha Jones on “Let’s Party”. Just don’t come complaining once it overtakes “About Damn Time” in your top played tracks.
