The songwriter was greatest identified for working with the Stylistics, the Spinners, the Delfonics and extra.
Thom Bell, the enduring pioneer of Philadelphia soul within the Seventies, died on Thursday in Bellingham, Washington. He was 79.
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: report 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 lawyer confirmed his passing to Billboard, saying, “Thom Bell left an indelible and eternal mark on the historical past of common music, however much more so, he might be remembered by all who knew him as a form and loving pal and household man. The music world has really misplaced one of many greats.”
Nile Rodgers additionally took to social media to pay his respects to Bell, tweeting, “#RIPThomBell He is likely one of the best writers and producers of all time. My condolences exit to his household and associates. 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 Advantageous 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 plenty 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 12 months, 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 offered 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.
This story first appeared on Billboard.com.