Kool & The Gang were as ebullient as soul bands came during their mid-'70s to ‘80s heyday, and their fun-loving disco influenced generations of party-starters to come. Artists like Tony! Toni! Toné! and Jamiroquai carried on The Gang's infectious dance grooves and preening falsetto lines, while pop acts like Billy Ocean and Wham! took notes from their rhythmic funk guitars and rubbery synth hooks.