Donald's Encyclopedia of Popular Music

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BELL, Thom

(b c.1940, Philadelphia) Soul producer. He made his first records with schoolfriend Kenny Gamble '59 on a Heritage label; went on as a member of Gamble's Romeos, using classical keyboard training to advantage. The group recorded for Arctic with little success, later forming the nucleus of Philadelphia's MFSB (Mother, Father, Sister, Brother) session band. Bell left, replaced by Leon Huff, who later formed Philadelphia International with Gamble.

Bell sessioned for the local Cameo label, had his first success as an arranger with Showstoppers' 'Ain't Nothin' But A Houseparty' (Hot 100 pop chart USA '68; no. 11 UK that year, re-entered chart three times '71), then concentrated on arranging and producing, notably with the sweet soul vocal group the Delfonics. Cameo folded '68; the group and Bell moved to Philly Groove for hits including 'La-La Means I Love You', 'Didn't I Blow Your Mind This Time' and 'Break Your Promise'. Delfonic Randy Cain d 8 April 2009 aged 63; he had been replaced in the group by Major Harris, b 9 February 1947, Richmond VA; d there 9 November 2012. Harris's solo career included 'Love Won't Let Me Wait', a Hot 100 no. 5 '75.

Bell linked again with Gamble & Huff to arrange for Jerry Butler '69, but his major move in this period was formation of a songwriting team with Frenchwoman Linda Creed (d 10 April 1986, Amber PA aged 37), who wrote lyrics to Bell's music: they soon hit with the Stylistics ('Betcha By Golly Wow', 'I'm Stone In Love With You' transatlantic hits '71-2), later the Spinners after they left Motown (aka Detroit Spinners in UK: 'Could It Be I'm Falling In Love', 'Ghetto Child' '73).

Bell's lush orchestral scores stemming from his classical training became a trademark not easily imitated (Hugo and Luigi tried on subsequent Stylistics stuff but lacked the R&B edge and the nod to doo-wop). Bell spread his talents wide, arranging for the O'Jays (Gamble & Huff), on his own for Ronnie Dyson (b 5 June 1950, Washington DC; d 10 November 1990, Philadelphia), Johnny Mathis. Later in the '70s he produced the hit EP Mama Can't Buy You Love for Elton John, continued in soul with Phyllis Hyman (d 30 June 1995 NYC aged 45, suicide), Deniece Williams (b Deniece Chandler, 3 June 1951, Gary IN). The disco fad dealt a blow to the sweet soul genre; that Bell's work endures was demonstrated by a faithful '85 cover of 'Can It Be I'm Falling In Love' by UK singers David Grant and Jaki Graham.