Primary Wave Music has entered into a new partnership with Robert “Kool” Bell, the bassist, songwriter and founding member of party funk legends Kool & the Gang, the company announced Tuesday.
Under the deal — which, as Billboard understands, is structured as a true partnership — Primary Wave will collaborate with Bell on his catalog of music and recordings while also developing new name, image and likeness opportunities. Bell will gain access to Primary Wave’s full marketing and publishing infrastructure, including digital strategy, licensing, synch and film/TV production. Warner Chappell will continue to administer the catalog. Financial terms were not disclosed.
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As one of the core songwriters behind Kool & the Gang’s defining hits, Bell helped craft a run of R&B and pop classics through the 1970s and ’80s. The band has sold over 70 million albums worldwide, earned two Grammy Awards and seven American Music Awards, and was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2018 and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2024. The partnership includes rights to major singles such as “Hollywood Swinging,” “Jungle Boogie,” “Cherish,” “Ladies Night” and “Celebration,” the latter a No. 1 Hot 100 hit now preserved in the National Recording Registry.
“The partnership is especially meaningful,” said Primary Wave partner David Weitzman. “Kool has carried the group’s vision, spirit and legacy forward for decades. We are honored to partner with him to preserve, protect and amplify this iconic catalog.”
Bell added: “I’m extremely excited about my new partnership with Primary Wave. Together we are going to ride a Kool Wave as we get things fixed and stay fit in 2026.”
Mohamed Moretta, managing partner of Kool Moretta Media, said the partnership will help expand Bell’s existing ventures, including The Just Kool Party, Le Kool Champagne and upcoming stage project Be Kool.
The deal arrives amid a period of rapid expansion for Primary Wave. Last month, Billboard reported the company is in advanced discussions to acquire Kobalt Music Group, a move that would create one of the world’s largest independent music companies with more than $7 billion in assets. Primary Wave already holds stakes in catalogs for Prince, Whitney Houston, Notorious B.I.G., Bob Marley and Britney Spears, among many others.
