Thom Bell, the long-lasting pioneer of Philadelphia soul within the Nineteen Seventies, handed away on Thursday (Dec. 22) in Bellingham, Washington. He was 79 years previous.
The information was first reported by Philly R&B radio station 105.3 WDAS-FM, with host Patty Jackson saying, “We bear in mind Thom Bell: document producer, arranger and songwriter identified for his work with Linda Creed, Gamble and Huff, the various hits, the creators of Philly soul.” The station additionally paid particular tribute to the late musician on its web site by sharing a video of the Stylistics’ 1972 Bell-produced single “Folks Make the World Go Spherical.”
Bell’s legal professional confirmed his passing to Billboard, saying, “Thom Bell left an indelible and eternal mark on the historical past of widespread music, however much more so, he will likely be remembered by all who knew him as a sort and loving buddy and household man. The music world has actually misplaced one of many greats.”
Nile Rodgers additionally took to social media to pay his respects to Bell, tweeting, “#RIPThomBell He is among the best writers and producers of all time. My condolences exit to his household and mates. He was the architect of the connection between #BernardEdwards & me as we have been the band for the group New York Metropolis (I’m Doing Positive Now) a Thom Bell smash.”
Bell, who was born in 1943 and studied classical music when he was a toddler, was identified for working with early R&B acts just like the Delfonics, the Spinners and Deniece Williams. With Linda Creed, he co-wrote a lot of soul classics like “Betcha By Golly, Wow,” “You Are Every little thing,” “You Make Me Really feel Model New” and “Cease, Look, Hear (To Your Coronary heart).” Within the late ’70s and early ’80s, he additionally co-wrote and produced tracks for a younger Elton John together with “Are You Prepared for Love” and “Mama Can’t Purchase You Love.”
In 1975, Bell turned the inaugural Grammy winner for producer of the yr, non-classical. He had beforehand been nominated for co-writing the Delfonics’ “Didn’t I (Blow Your Thoughts This Time)” and arranging the Stylistics’ “Betcha By Golly, Wow.” In 2017, the Recording Academy introduced him with a trustees award — the equal of a lifetime achievement award for non-performers.
He was inducted into the Songwriters Corridor of Fame in 2006 in addition to the Musicians Corridor of Fame and Museum a decade later.
Bell is survived by spouse Vanessa and his kids, Royal, Troy, Tia, Mark, Cybell and Christopher.
Learn tributes to Bell under.
