(1977 - 1982)
The replacement for Rick West arrived in 1977 and was added at eleventh hour to "The Force" and he was the perfect choice. He is a member of the family and is already known to the music scene through his other band The Kay Gees and also from guesting on previous Kool & The Gang albums. He wrote Let's Go Dancin' (Ooh La, La, La) with J.T just before his departure from the band. He still appears on stage with the band and has continued to play guest guitar on "In The Heart" and "State Of Affairs"
Kevin means "handsome beloved",
Ricardo (like Richard) means "powerful leader" (of The Kay Gees)and
Bell means "handsome".
Amir means "prince" (hence the nickname),
Abdul-Salam (alternative spelling) means "servent of the peaceful one"and
Bayyan means "clear evidence".