A Montclair, New Jersey, property once owned by Kool & The Gang founding member Dennis “Dee Tee” Thomas is now for sale. And the price tag is turning heads. The home is listed at $7.5 million, which is a whopping 525 percent increase from the $1.2 million paid for it just four years ago.
It is a six-bedroom, two-family home located on just under half an acre. Built in 1908, the property is divided into two four-story townhouses, each offering three bedrooms. Both units are also available for rent at $18,000 per month, according to the New York Post.
Thomas, the group’s alto saxophonist, flautist, and percussionist, purchased the home for $374,000 in 1999 and remained a member of the Montclair community until his death in 2021 at age 70. “The town’s Fourth of July parade would always go by the house and people would wave to him,” listing broker Allison Maguire of Brown Harris Stevens told The Post.
After Thomas’s passing, the current owner was described by Maguire as “an extended band family member.” The home underwent an extensive restoration, although the outlet did not specify when. “The work that went into the house – from the craftsmanship, to the millwork and the design choices – it’s just gorgeous,” Maguire said.
Each townhouse features a chef’s kitchen with custom cabinetry, a nine-foot island, and adjacent sunlit dining space. The main level is anchored by a double-sided gas fireplace, complemented by white oak floors and custom lighting.
Upstairs, the top-floor primary suite offers two walk-in closets and a spa-like bath with radiant floor heating. Additional bedrooms and a bonus room fill the second floor, while the finished basement can serve as a family room, guest suite, or office. An elevator connects all levels, and each unit includes a heated two-car garage that could be converted into a studio or gym.
The wraparound porch and landscaped backyard add to the property’s appeal, making it suitable for a family compound or income-generating setup.
Thomas co-founded Kool & The Gang in 1964 in Jersey City, helping lead the band to decades of success with hits like “Celebration” and “Get Down On It.” Despite his passing, the group continues to tour internationally.
Kool & the Gang blended R&B, soul, funk, and pop to become one of music’s most enduring groups. Founded by brothers Robert “Kool” Bell and Ronald Bell, along with Thomas and others, they had early hits like “Jungle Boogie” and “Hollywood Swinging.” Their late ’70s resurgence with singer James “J.T.” Taylor produced classics including “Ladies’ Night,” “Celebration,” and “Cherish.” They released 23 albums and over 70 million sold worldwide. The iconic group is in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.