. . "they shaped music in the 70's and 80's Posted by: Dave Avran / 3:28 PM 0 comments still making music Posted by: Dave Avran / 3:25 PM 0 comments Although rarely known by his name, Kool and the Gang's Claydes Charles Smith, 57; co-Founder of '70s group Kool & the Gang is one the pioneers of modern rhythm guitar, along with such legends as Curtis Mayfield and The James Brown Band's Jimmy Nolen." . .