Legendary R&B, soul, and funk band Kool & The Gang unveiled the very first star that will be on the Youngstown Walk of Fame.
 
Robert "Kool" Bell who was here in Youngstown Saturday, and his brother Ronald Bell who passed away in 2020 are from Youngstown's East Side, Prospect Street. They moved to New Jersey in 1960 and formed the band in 1964, along with Robert "Spike" Mickens, Dennis "Dee Tee" Thomas, Ricky Westfield, George Brown, and Charles Smith to create their  unique musical blend of jazz, soul, and funk.
 
"We got our first star here, and we're hoping the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is next. It's just good to be back. It's just good to see so many people, and see family here. I have so many memories here," Robert "Kool" Bell said.
 
Band members took pictures for about an hour with fans who came out to see them, and signed autographs. 
 
For 50 years they've been creating music for folks to enjoy.
 
"We've been doing our thing, like Celebration, Get Down On IT, Funky Town. Celebration was played in the Space Station. When they got in the space station, they were floating around in to celebration," Bell added.
 
The group performed 48 shows with Van Halen, 10 shows with Kid Rock, played with Elton John, with the Dave Matthews Band, The Temptations, Commodores, and Earth Wind and Fire. 
 
Downtown Youngstown Events Coordinator says Kool & the Gang will be the first of other Youngstown Greats to receive stars on the walk of fame. 
 
"Recogizing and celebrating all the talents that come out of this area, and put Youngstown on the map," said Special Events Director for Youngstown, Melanie Clarke-Penella said.
 
A nominating form will be released on the city's web page and a nominating committee will be formed.
 
"I know it's going to be a lot of people saying I want this one and that one, so we will have to figure out what the process will look like," Youngstown Mayor Jamael Tito Brown said.
 
"To be able to honor all the greatness that's come through Youngstown is a great and historic day for the city," Councilman Julius Oliver said.
 
Kool & the Gang will take the stage at the Amphitheatre at 7:30 p.m. with a strong coming home concert. His mom and family and friends were also here today. Seats are still available through Ticket Master. 
 
"They are going to get a great homecoming concert! It's my home town so let's have a party," Bell said.