He was the pioneer of Sound of Philadelphia and wrote songs for the Stylistics and the Delfonics. Thom Bell has died aged 79.
Producer Thom Bell, who co-created the ” Sound of Philadelphia with Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff as the Mighty Three, has died aged 79. The cause of his death has not been revealed.
« Tommy and I have been best friends for over 60 yearsGamble said in a press release. When we met we decided to start writing songs together and form a singing duo ‘Kenny and Tommy’ and then our band The Romeos… He was a great talent and my dear friend. Rest in peace my friend ».
« Thom Bell was my favorite musician, arranger, songwriter and music producer of all time! added Leon Huff. It was an honor and a pleasure to work with him creatively and as a business partner. Rest in peace. »
Among the greatest works of Bell, who contributed to the development of Philly Soul in the 1970s, are songs like ” La-La Means I Love You » of the Delfonics, « Rubberband Man » des Spinners, « Backstabber of the O’Jays and I’ll Be Around » et « Betcha By Golly Wow from Stylistics. He also produced the Elton John song ” Mama Can’t Buy You Love ».
For his work, Bell won Producer of the Year at the 1975 Grammy Awards and was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2006. Russell Thompkins, Jr. of Stylistics honored Bell in an interview at the Grammy Awards for their Salute to Music Legends in 2017, calling him “ major influence on my career. » « That’s when I started to learn my tradehe said. And the things that I learned doing the sessions with him lasted me my whole career. ».
The Mighty Three gave interviews for a documentary on Philadelphia International Records, directed by Sam Pollardwhich highlights the trio’s work in spreading Philadelphia music around the world.
« After six decades, we are incredibly proud to finally share our life story and show all the hard work that went into creating this great music.the trio said in a statement earlier this year. Our long-time fans and new fans will get a unique look at creating the Sound of Philadelphia with the themes of empowerment and love, for “people around the world” because we’ve always had a “Message in our Music!!!” ».
Thomas Mier
Translated by the editor
