Legendary Philly Soul Man Thom Bell R.I.P.

[Chalky]

Thye sad news just keeps coming with the death of legendary Philadelphia Soul Man Thom Bell.

R.I.P. and thank you for the music

https://www.soultracks.com/story-thom-bell-dies

(December 22, 2022) We are devastated to share the news of the passing of the iconic producer, arranger and songwriter Thom Bell, at age 79, as reported by Philadelphia station WDAS-FM. Much of Soul music history over the last half century has revolved around great producer/artist combinations.  But no combination was more pleasing than the work of the Spinners and producer Thom Bell from 1972-77.  With "Mighty Three" partners Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff, Bell created the Sound of Philadelphia, the most important and dominant sound of the early and mid 70s, and the heir to the dominant Motown sound of the 60s.  And as a songwriter, producer and arranger, Bell established himself as one of the most important Soul music figures of all time.

[Tobytyke]

RIP  Thom Bell his work with the Delfonics was sublime.

[Mickey Finn]

Terribly sad news. What an amazing contribution to the world of music, and as one of the Mighty Three an absolute giant of soul.

One of the highlights of last summer was listening to Derek Mead play this at the Blackpool and Whitby weekenders. A fantastic arrangement and wonderful to hear played out over a proper sound system.

RIP and thank you for the music.

 

[Amsterdam Russ]

Another sad loss. RIP Thom.

[Thinksmart]

RIP Thomas Bell and thanks for a huge contribution to Soul music.

[Johndelve]

One of the greatest talents to work within the sphere of soul. We were very lucky to have heard his work. R.I.P. 

[Chalky]

 

[Westender]

To my mind he was a genius. Wonderful songwriter but his productions were on a different level.

R.I.P

[Soulman58]

One of the greats who wrote and produced some of the iconic soul hits of our lifetime.  The fact that so many were covered time and time again shows the longevity of these songs.

Many thanks for the memories.

RIP Thom

[Greety]

You can only imagine how many records Thom was involved in. Has anybody seen a poor record with his name on the label? He is probably working with the angels as we speak.

May God bless you Sir.

[David Meikle]

Co-arranged by Thom Bell.

RIP

[Stateside]

From the age of 15 Thom Bell was a name that meant quality to me. Trawling through market stalls and record shops, you always knew the record was worth having if he had anything to do with it. I'm sure I read somewhere that in later life he became a recluse.

RIP, up there with the best of them

 

[Soul Shrews]

Genius pure and simple.

Thanks for the music Mr Bell

Cheers Paul

[Our Kid]

Very industrious musical genius, as said above, his name littered the labels.

Early outta the gate....Damon Fox Packin' Up

All time classic....Detroit Spinners I'll be around.

RIP, back with the family.

Paul

[Daved]

I love this Ronnie Dyson song. One of his best

 

[Chris L]

On 22/12/2022 at 22:02, Chalky said:

Thye sad news just keeps coming with the death of legendary Philadelphia Soul Man Thom Bell.

R.I.P. and thank you for the music

https://www.soultracks.com/story-thom-bell-dies

(December 22, 2022) We are devastated to share the news of the passing of the iconic producer, arranger and songwriter Thom Bell, at age 79, as reported by Philadelphia station WDAS-FM. Much of Soul music history over the last half century has revolved around great producer/artist combinations.  But no combination was more pleasing than the work of the Spinners and producer Thom Bell from 1972-77.  With "Mighty Three" partners Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff, Bell created the Sound of Philadelphia, the most important and dominant sound of the early and mid 70s, and the heir to the dominant Motown sound of the 60s.  And as a songwriter, producer and arranger, Bell established himself as one of the most important Soul music figures of all time.

Oh my gosh  yes very sad indeed, genius for sure.

[Guest]

The arrangement and melody on this one is beautiful. R.I.P.

 

[Motownmagic]

RIP thanks for the great music 

[Tlscapital]

A most cherished (in this home) Tamla "oddball" release somehow with such an encounter of talents that too often when together dwell into "porridge" IMO. But that here thanks to Thom Bell's dainty arrangement giving it all the "air", "crystal clear" and 'gloss' it needs to allow all to shine through is only for the better on this most humble Billy Stewart hommage.

 

Edited December 26, 2022 by Tlscapital

[Soul Shrews]

An old favourite.

Cheers Paul

[Mickey Finn]

A decent obit in the Guardian:

https://www.theguardian.com/music/2022/dec/29/thom-bell-obituary

[Soulfusion]

I grew up on songs arranged, written and/or produced by Thom Bell - Often not realising that fact until much later in life!

Classically trained Thom was one of the first to successfully integrate orchestral sounds into arrangements and production without losing the soul.

The retrospective CD from Kent a few years back is an essential listen.

[Mickey Finn]

2 hours ago, Soulfusion said:

I grew up on songs arranged, written and/or produced by Thom Bell - Often not realising that fact until much later in life!

Classically trained Thom was one of the first to successfully integrate orchestral sounds into arrangements and production without losing the soul.

The retrospective CD from Kent a few years back is an essential listen.

Indeed ... fingers crossed for volume 2