Kool & The Gang – Celebration
Kool & The Gang – Celebration (1980)
Directed by: Denis deVallance
Kool & The Gang’s “Celebration,” released in 1980, stands as an enduring anthem of joy and unity. Featured on their twelfth studio album, *Celebrate!*, the track became the band’s first and only single to reach number one on the US Billboard Hot 100. The song’s inspiration came from co-founder Ronald Bell, who drew from a passage in the Quran where angels celebrate God’s creation of man. This spiritual influence is woven into the song’s uplifting lyrics and melody. The accompanying music video, directed by Denis deVallance, showcases the band performing amidst a lively party atmosphere, encapsulating the song’s festive spirit. Over four decades later, “Celebration” remains a universal soundtrack for commemorations worldwide, from weddings to significant political events. Its timeless appeal was further recognized in 2021 when it was selected for preservation in the National Recording Registry by the Library of Congress for its cultural significance.
