Ronald Bell, one of the founder members of Kool & the Gang, has died at the age of 68.
He started the band with his brother Robert "Kool" Bell in 1964.
They became one of the most influential soul and funk bands of the 1970s and 1980s, with hits including Celebration, Ladies' Night and Get Down On It.
Their music also featured in several films including Saturday Night Fever, for which they received a Grammy in 1978, and Pulp Fiction.
Bell died at his home in the US Virgin Islands with his wife by his side, his publicist said. The cause of death was not given.
A self-taught saxophonist and singer, he founded the group in New Jersey along with Robert and five school-friends - Dennis Thomas, Robert Mickens, Charles Smith, George Brown and Ricky West
