He’s the last guy standing, so there’s a lot to celebrate.
Robert “Kool” Bell, the last surviving original member of Kool & the Gang, took over New York’s Lobster Club on Wednesday night to celebrate 75 years with the sun.
His sister-in-law and manager Tia Sinclair hosted the event, and the theme for his birthday celebration was “Cool 75: ‘Love the Life You Live,'” a nod to the soul and funk band’s 1972 hit.
The party started around 6:30pm. When guests walk into a trendy Midtown restaurant, waiters offer them Belles Le Coeur champagne.
The jazz band Santi Debriano Trio performed during cocktail hour.
One partygoer described their set as “a wink to the jazzy beginnings of Kool & the Gang.”
Comedian and “In Living Color” alum Tommy Davidson took to the stage and toasted the guest of honor.
After Bell performed a “hilarious” comedy show, Bell’s favorite singer, R&B crooner Kem, surprised him with a 45-minute interactive set, during which he brought out songstress Chante Moore to belt out a number.
Kem got the audience involved and sang the song while sitting on couches around the stage.
“It felt like all of my best friends, colleagues and family were singing along with Kem. It was magical and Cool was blown away,” said another partygoer.
Rapper Flavor Flav also reportedly jumped on stage to “pay a loving tribute” to Bell.
Valerie Simpson, Thomas McCrary, SiriusXM’s Dion Summers and BJ Stone, Stephen Hill, Bill Perkins, and Warner Chappell Music CEO Karianne Marshall were some of the VIPs in attendance.
Penwa, star of “Deceitful Lies” and wife of the late Kool & the Gang co-founder Dennis “Dee Tee” Thomas, described the energy in the room as “pure love.”
“All the wives, the ‘wandering widows,’ came out to praise the last one standing,” she added.
Fellow stars including Debbie Allen, Andy Cohen, Craig Robinson, Macy Gray, Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis sent birthday videos honoring the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee.
The night ended around 11pm. The server rolled out a birthday cake that was a life-size replica of the bassist’s guitar.
Bell’s family and friends also joined him on stage to thank everyone for their love and support.
Guests went home with small bottles of champagne, custom chocolates, and Bell’s Cool King coconut water.
