FILE - In this Feb. 12, 2017 file photo Dennis D.T. Thomas, from left, George Brown, Robert Bell, and Ronald Bell, of the musical group Kool & The Gang, arrive at the 59th annual Grammy Awards at the Staples Center, in Los Angeles. Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney announced Wednesday, June 5, 2019, that the group will receive the 2019 Marian Anderson Award this fall. The honor is named for the pioneering opera singer who was the first black singer to perform at the Metropolitan Opera. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP, File)

Kool & The Gang to be honored with Marian Anderson Award

By The Associated Press June 5, 2019 at 10:51am

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Funk-soul band Kool & The Gang is being honored with an award named for pioneering opera singer Marian Anderson.

Kool & The Gang, known for hits like “Get Down on It,” ”Celebration” and “Ladies Night,” has earned two Grammy Awards and seven American Music Awards.

The Marian Anderson Award is given in Philadelphia to “critically acclaimed artists who have impacted society in a positive way.”

Band members say in a statement they’re “truly honored” to receive the award and that “Funky Philly” played an integral part in their career. They recorded several albums in Philadelphia.

The band celebrates 50 years together this year.

The award will be presented at a gala in November.

Past winners have included Dionne Warwick, Jon Bon Jovi, Maya Angelou and Quincy Jones.

Anderson was the first black singer to perform at the Metropolitan Opera.

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