James "J.T." Taylor

James "J.T." Taylor
Birth nameJames Warren Taylor
Also known asJ.T. Taylor
Born (1953-08-16) August 16, 1953 (age 71)
Laurens, South Carolina, U.S.
GenresR&B, soul, funk, post-disco, electro
Occupation(s)Singer, actor, songwriter
Instrument(s)Vocals, keyboards, bass synthesizer
Years active1978–present
LabelsMCA Records

James "J.T." Warren Taylor (born August 16, 1953) is an American singer who achieved fame as the lead singer of Kool & the Gang between 1979 and 1988.

Taylor joined Kool & the Gang in 1979 and remained with the group for nine years. His tenure as lead singer was the most successful era in the band's history with the albums Ladies' Night (1979), Celebrate! (1980) and Emergency (1984) and hit singles including "Ladies' Night", the US No. 1 "Celebration", "Get Down on It", "Joanna", "Misled" and "Cherish"and Fresh

Taylor left the group in 1989 to begin a solo career but has reunited with the band a few times for concerts, also recording one last album with them in 1996.