J.T. Taylor - Kool and The Gang�s Legendary Voice
In 1979, JT was called to audition for Kool and the Gang. Just 2 weeks later, he debuted as lead vocalist. JT brought a unique sound and style to the group that is also displayed in his songwriting. These attributes made an instant impact on his first LP with Kool and the Gang, titled "Ladies Night" which spawned 2 No. 1 R&B and Pop hits: "Ladies Night" and "Too Hot". This LP was the beginning of what became an unprecedented decade of musical creativity and hit making success.
From 1979 to 1988 as part of Kool and the Gang, JT had 18 top ten R&B, Pop hits, Ten #1 hits, Seven Platinum LP's, One Double Platinum LP, Four Gold singles and one Platinum single "Celebration". Worldwide sales were 40 million plus.
In 1989, JT decided to pursue a solo career and didn't miss a step with his first release, the number on hit duet with Regina Belle entitled "All I Want Is Forever". This song was also the title track for the movie "Tap" starring Sammy Davis Jr. and Gregory Hines. JT's first LP, "Master of the Game", sparked another big hit "Promise Land" which appeared on the platinum soundtrack of "Ghostbusters Two". His second LP "Feel the Need" kept up the top ten track record with "Long Hot Summer Night". JT, having worldwide success, stayed true to his European and Far East fans, which made this LP a popular club hit.
After releasing his third LP "Baby I'm Back", JT turned his attention to acting in film and theater. He quickly landed his first role in the hit movie "Mambo Kings" starring Armand Assante and Antonio Banderas. Soon after, he landed the leading role in his first play, Lorraine Hansberry's "Raisin in the Sun" co-starring with Peabo Bryson, Philip Bailey, Howard Hewett, Jeffrey Osborne and Leanette Hawkins.
With the resurgence of classic R&B music in 1994 and 1995, JT received many requests to complete a reunion LP with Kool and the Gang. In 1995 he recorded and co-produced "State of Affairs" with his former band. With the release of the album, JT gave a rebirth to Kool and the Gang's career as well as his own.
J.T. Taylor now performs all the hit songs he sang with Kool & the Gang including:
• Celebration
• Get Down on It
• Ladies Night
• Fresh
• Joanna
• Cherish
• Too Hot
• All I Want Is Forever
• Heart to Heart
• Long Hot Summer Night
• Baby I'm Back
• How
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