Dennis "Dee Tee" Thomas (February 9, 1951 – August 7, 2021)[1][2] was an American alto saxophone player, flautist, and percussionist, who was a founding member of R&B/soul/funk Kool & the Gang, and one of the few members to remain with the band for over 50 years, from its foundation in 1964 into the 2020s.
[1] Thomas "was known as the quintessential cool cat in the group" due to his fashion sense and "laid-back demeanor".
[2] In addition to his musicianship, Thomas was "master of ceremonies at the band's shows" and "the group's wardrobe stylist", as well as being responsible for the group's revenues, which carried "in a paper bag in the bell of his horn".
[5] In 2024, Thomas was posthumously selected for induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, as a member of Kool & the Gang.
[6] Thomas married Phynjuar Saunders, with whom he had two children, including actress Michelle Thomas known for her roles in The Cosby Show, Family Matters, as well as The Young and the Restless.