Downtown Youngstown in Mahoning County, Ohio — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Kool & the Gang
| | Youngstown Walk of Fame | |
Photographed by Ian Lefkowitz, May 24, 2025
1. Kool & the Gang Marker
Brothers Robert Earl "Kool" Bell and Ronald "Khalis" Bell were born in Youngstown, OH in 1950 and 1951, respectively. Robert and Ronald co-founded the soul/funk band Kool And The Gang which is one of the most celebrated of all time in the genre. The band had more than 20 R&B and pop hits, including "Jungle Boogie," "Hollywood Swinging," "Ladies Night," "Get Down On It" and "Celebration." They are one of the most sampled artists in hip hop, with more than 1,900 samples and more than 200 covers.
Erected 2023 by City of Youngstown.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Arts, Letters, Music • Entertainment.
Location. 41° 5.795′ N, 80° 39.093′ W. Marker is in Youngstown, Ohio, in Mahoning County. It is in Downtown Youngstown. It is on Market Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 336 Market Street, Youngstown OH 44503, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Ohio’s Western Reserve and in the Mahoning Valley. It is also in the American Midwest. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy, the territory of the Mississippian Culture, and the Northwest Territory.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Harry "Dirty Harry" Arroyo (here, next to this marker); Ray "Boom Boom" Mancini (here, next to this marker); Greg "The Flea" Richardson (here, next to this marker); 'A Handshake for the Century' (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Thomas D. Lambros (approx. 0.2 miles away); The First Log School (approx. Ό mile away); Civil War Soldiers' Monument / Realty Building
this page online
Also see . . .
1. Youngstown Walk of Fame. Downtown Youngstown's newest attraction, the Walk of Fame, was dedicated in Wean Park on July 4, 2024. The Walk of Fame features star plaques that honor Youngstown natives and residents who have made their marks in fields such as sports, science, and entertainment. On July 1, 2023, the legendary R&B group Kool & The Gang was inducted as the inaugural member of the Youngstown Walk of Fame. (Submitted on June 22, 2025, by Ian Lefkowitz of New York, New York.)
2. Kool & The Gang - Celebration (Youtube, 4:17). (Submitted on June 26, 2025.)
Photographed by Ian Lefkowitz, May 24, 2025
2. Youngstown Walk of Fame
Kool & The Gang are the first, and as of early 2025, only members of the Youngstown Walk of Fame.
Photographed by Ian Lefkowitz, May 24, 2025
3. Wean Park
The Walk of Fame is located within Raymond John Wean Foundation Park, home to the Youngstown logo.
Photographed by Mark Parker, July 14, 2026
4. Kool & the Gang Marker under the Market Street Bridge at Wean Park
Credits. This page was last revised on August 13, 2026. It was originally submitted on June 22, 2025, by Ian Lefkowitz of New York, New York. This page has been viewed 126 times since then and 41 times this year. Last updated on August 7, 2026, by Mark Parker of Hickory, North Carolina. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on June 22, 2025, by Ian Lefkowitz of New York, New York. 4. submitted on August 12, 2026, by Mark Parker of Hickory, North Carolina. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
