Co-founder of Kool & The Gang Dennis Thomas has sadly passed away at the age of 70.

The musician died peacefully in his sleep at his New Jersey home on Saturday, August 7, per The Guardian, and tributes have since been pouring in for the 'Get Down On It' hitmaker.

His representative has since issued a statement announcing the sad news.

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Thomas played the alto sax, flute, and percussion in the long-time soul-funk band, and his last performance was on the Fourth of July at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles.

He was born 9 February 1951, in Orlando, Florida, and he was also known for his prologue on Kool & The Gang's 1971 song 'Who's Gonna Take the Weight'.

Thomas is pictured below performing in 2016.

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Alongside Thomas, Kool & The Gang was founded by Ronald and Robert Bell, and Spike Mickens, Ricky Westfield, George Brown, and Charles Smith.

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Per The Guardian, Kool & The Gang have been decorated with two Grammy Awards, seven American Music Awards, and in 2014, they were awarded a Soul Train Lifetime Achievement Award.

Paying tribute to the late musician on social media, one fan wrote: "Man... Kool N The Gang just lost another founding member. Rest In Power, Dennis Thomas [sic]."

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A second wrote: "So very sad that Dennis Thomas passed away."

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A third added: "RIP to Dennis Thomas, a founding member of the legendary music group, Kool & the Gang, a real favorite. I'm thinking about the other surviving members tonight."

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While a fourth wrote: "Rest In Peace Dennis Thomas. Thank you for the amazing music!"

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Another added: "When Kool & the Gang comes on it makes my mama want to walk an extra 15 minutes. She was reminiscing with me about all the good times out dancing with Dad at Del Norte's Night Club @ Biggs Field back in the day...To #DennisThomas #RIP [sic]."

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Dennis is survived by his wife Phynjuar Saunders Thomas, sons David and Devin Thomas, daughter Tuesday Rankin, and a number of other family members, according to a statement released on social media.

Featured image credit: Alamy / Sipa US

Kool & The Gang co-founder Dennis Thomas dies aged 70 as tributes pour in