(1969 - 2003)
Although most known for playing the saxophone it seems he can play every instrument under the sun (except perhaps strings and harp). He plays keyboards often, flutes on and off and a large number of synthesizers.
He writes an enormous amount of tracks at least one per album and usually more.
He has been Music Director, Executive Producer, Producer, Arranger the list is huge.
As for his names, first the nickname.
I tell anyone who is not a big fan that I did not make this up myself but have seen it used in several places.
However none of these place are "Kool & The Gang" album sleeves so I must assume that he did not use it often and no longer does at all (JudgeFunky assures me it was used at least once - thanks for that).
Ronald means "ruler's counselor",
Nathan means "he has bestowed"
and Bell means "handsome".
Khalis means "intelligence" (see official site),
Fahim (which may be wrong) means "understanding intelligence" (apparently)
and Bayyan means "clear evidence" (official site).
I'm sure you will agree in the interesting truths of these names.