Who is Tia Sinclair Bell, wife of Ronald 'Khalis' Bell? A look at Kool & the Gang co-founder's 10 kids and his net worth
Kool & the Gang co-founder Ronald “Khalis” Bell died on September 9, 2020, at his home in the US Virgin Islands, said his wife, Tia Sinclair Bell, in a statement on September 10. Bell was credited as a writer and producer on the group’s biggest hits in the 1980’s 'Celebration' and 1985’s 'Cherish'. He was the driving force behind the 'Kool & the Gang', as he composed, produced and performed with the group, which witnessed success in multiple decades during their 50 years long career.
In 1964, Bell and his brother Robert “Kool” formed a band with Dennis 'DT' Thomas, Robert 'Spike' Mickens, Charles Smith, George Brown and Ricky West. They went through several names as the 'Jazziacs', 'The New Dimensions', 'The Soul Town Band', 'Kool & the Flames' before 'Kool & the Gang' was launched blending jazz, soul and funk sounds.
'Kool & the Gang' performed continuously longer than any R&B group in the history of music. The band won two Grammy Awards and also appeared alongside Kid Rock, Dave Matthews Band, Elton John and The Roots. They also performed on a 50-city tour with rock legends Van Halen. In 2014, the band was honored with a BET Soul Train Lifetime Achievement Award. In 2018, they were inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame.
In 2019, during an interview with, Billboard, to celebrate the band's 50th anniversary, Ronald Bell said he felt grateful just to have the career he did. "And for it to be this long," he added. "For me, I'm most grateful for that, to still be relevant since [we were] 19." They released the album 'Light of Worlds' in 1974 and their album 'Spirit of the Boogie' was released in 1975 and reached #5 on the US R&B chart.
According to Variety, at the time of his death, Bell was in the midst of a series of collaborations, including his solo endeavor, 'Kool Baby Brotha Band.' He was also working on 'Kool TV,' a series of animated shorts about the group’s career. According to Celebrity Net Worth, he is estimated to have a net worth of $5 million.
Tia Sinclair Bell
Tia Sinclair is a producer and director based is a producer and director based in New Jersey. She has worked on films like, 'How To Start A Small Business' and 'Kool TV'. Since 1996, she has been serving as the manager to the group and her husband. Sinclair is the sister of producer Bill Perkins and writer Grantlin Perkins.
Tia and Bell had 10 children. Their son, Rachid "Rasalus" Bell, who often performs under the stage name Ra, is also a known singer.