RIP Thom Bell

  Thom Bell often gets third billing behind Kenny Gamble & Leon Huff when the history of Philly Soul is discussed.  But he carved out his own legacy away from Gamble & Huff.  His productions were often symphonic pieces graced with lush orchestrations.  Bell has often said that Burt Bacharach was a big influence.  And you hear how Bell applied Bacharach's Pop sophistication to his own productions. The songs he either co-wrote, Produced or arranged were perfectly tailored for the great singers he worked with: Philippe Wynne, Bobby Smith, Russell Thompkins Jr., Deniece Williams, William Hart, Dionne Warwick, Johnny Mathis, Elton John, James Ingram, Phyllis Hyman. Bell’s first hits came in the late 60's with the Delfonics. He went on to do the same with the Stylistics and the Spinners, often co-writing big hits with the great Linda Creed.  With the Spinners he rejuvenated Motown journeymen into one of the greatest R&B vocal groups of the 70's.  He was a Producing machine throughout the 70's and part of the 80's. 

  Thom Bell was a genius who was one of the inventors of a sound that is still loved today, Philly Soul.  He was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2006, but deserves a spot in the Rock Hall as well.  

Here's some of his co-writes

Betcha By Golly Wow

Rubberband Man

La La Means I Love You

Didn't I (Blow Your Mind)

Hey Love

Ready or Not Here I Come

Break Up To Make Up

I'll Be Around

I'm Stone In Love With You

Stop, Look, Listen (To Your Heart)

You Are Everything

Rockin' Roll Baby

You Make Me Feel Brand New

People Make The World Go Round

Are You Ready For Love

Ghetto Child

I'm Doin' Fine Now

Life Is A Song Worth Singing

Brand New Me

Moody Woman

And just some of the songs he Produced but didn't write

Then Came You

Mighty Love

Sadie

Love Don’t Love Nobody

Games People Play

Could It Be I'm Falling In Love

One Of A Kind (Love Affair)

Mama Can't Buy You Love

I Don't Have The Heart

Silly

It's Gonna Take A Miracle (Deniece Williams)

Old Friend

Arranger (he had many more)

Close The Door

I Miss You (Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes)

Back Stabbers

992 Arguments

It's Gonna Take A Miracle (Laura Nyro)