Thom Bell — legendary producer who co-created "The Sound of Philadelphia" and revolutionized Philly Soul in the 1960s and '70s — has died at 79.
Bell crafted "The Sound of Philadelphia" with songwriter Leon Huff and producer Kenny Gamble; the trio were known as the Mighty Three. Together, they also founded the record label Philadelphia International and created some of the most popular songs of the era, including "La-La Means I Love You" by the Delfonics, "Backstabber" by the O'Jays, "Mama Can't Buy You Love" by Elton John and "Rubberband Man" by the Spinners.
Born in Jamaica in 1943, Bell's family moved to West Philadelphia where he was raised alongside nine brothers and sisters. Both of Bell's parents were musicians, and as a child, he played drums and studied classical piano.
After playing in bands and acting as a staff writer and touring conductor for Chubby Checker, Bell started working as a producer for the Delfonics in the '60s. Bell's arrangements were lush and unconventional, featuring everything from sitars and orchestral strings to bassoons and blooming horns.
In 1975, Bell won the Grammy Award for Best Producer of the Year, and he was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2006.
Bell crafted "The Sound of Philadelphia" with songwriter Leon Huff and producer Kenny Gamble; the trio were known as the Mighty Three. Together, they also founded the record label Philadelphia International and created some of the most popular songs of the era, including "La-La Means I Love You" by the Delfonics, "Backstabber" by the O'Jays, "Mama Can't Buy You Love" by Elton John and "Rubberband Man" by the Spinners.
Born in Jamaica in 1943, Bell's family moved to West Philadelphia where he was raised alongside nine brothers and sisters. Both of Bell's parents were musicians, and as a child, he played drums and studied classical piano.
After playing in bands and acting as a staff writer and touring conductor for Chubby Checker, Bell started working as a producer for the Delfonics in the '60s. Bell's arrangements were lush and unconventional, featuring everything from sitars and orchestral strings to bassoons and blooming horns.
In 1975, Bell won the Grammy Award for Best Producer of the Year, and he was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2006.
Just heard about Thom Bell. He didn't make sounds, he WAS a sound. Too many classics to name here but music wouldn't be the same without him. Rest in Power and thank U gor the music.🎶🎵🎧💔
— Diane Warren (@Diane_Warren) December 23, 2022
