Thom Bell, the Grammy-winning producer who heavily influenced Philadelphia soul music, died Thursday. He was 79.
His lawyer, Michael Silver, told the Philadelphia Inquirer that Bell passed away at his home in Bellingham, Washington. A reason behind death was not immediately available.
Bell, Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff worked together to create “The Sound of Philadelphia” within the late Sixties and early ‘70s.
“Tommy and I actually have been best friends for over 60 years,” Gamble said in an announcement to the Inquirer. “After we first met, we decided to start out writing songs together and form a singing duo, Kenny and Tommy, after which our band, The Romeos. Leon Huff and I were proud to have him as a part of our Mighty Three music-writing team, which helped create our signature brand of TSOP.
“He was an excellent talent and my dear friend. The name of Gamble, Huff and Bell will last perpetually. Rest in peace, buddy!”
Huff told the outlet: ”Thom Bell was my favorite musician, arranger, songwriter and music producer of all time! It was my esteem, honor and pleasure to work with him creatively and as a business partner. Rest in peace.”
Born to 2 musicians in Jamaica on Jan. 26, 1943, Bell was raised in West Philadelphia with nine brothers and sisters. He studied classical piano, but would eventually enterprise into the pop space.
He and Gamble began playing together within the group Kenny & the Romeos. Huff replaced Bell on piano when he left the band.
An arranger and songwriter, Bell worked as a staff author and touring conductor for Chubby Checker. He also produced the Delfonics’ hits “La-La (Means I Love You)” and “Didn’t I (Blow Your Mind This Time).”
His other songwriting credits include “I Can’t Take It” by the Orlons; and “You Make Me Feel Brand Recent” with Linda Creed.
He also arranged the strings within the O’Jays’ 1972 hit “Back Stabbers.” The band was on Gamble and Huff’s Philadelphia International Records label.
“I’m a really independent guy,” Bell told The Inquirer in 2020. “I’m not a follower. I’m a frontrunner, and the person I would like to steer is me.” He often repeated his personal motto: “You never can tell once you’re with the Bell.”
He did collaborate with Elton John, Teddy Pendergrass, Deniece Williams and Johnny Mathis throughout his profession. He also worked with Dionne Warwick, Lou Rawls, Anthony & The Imperials, and Dusty Springfield.
Bell was nominated for 3 Grammy Awards and won for Best Producer of the 12 months in 1975. He was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2006.
He’s survived by his wife, Vanessa; and his kids, Royal, Troy, Tia, Mark, Cybell and Christopher.
Thom Bell, the Grammy-winning producer who heavily influenced Philadelphia soul music, died Thursday. He was 79.
His lawyer, Michael Silver, told the Philadelphia Inquirer that Bell passed away at his home in Bellingham, Washington. A reason behind death was not immediately available.
Bell, Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff worked together to create “The Sound of Philadelphia” within the late Sixties and early ‘70s.
“Tommy and I actually have been best friends for over 60 years,” Gamble said in an announcement to the Inquirer. “After we first met, we decided to start out writing songs together and form a singing duo, Kenny and Tommy, after which our band, The Romeos. Leon Huff and I were proud to have him as a part of our Mighty Three music-writing team, which helped create our signature brand of TSOP.
“He was an excellent talent and my dear friend. The name of Gamble, Huff and Bell will last perpetually. Rest in peace, buddy!”
Huff told the outlet: ”Thom Bell was my favorite musician, arranger, songwriter and music producer of all time! It was my esteem, honor and pleasure to work with him creatively and as a business partner. Rest in peace.”
Born to 2 musicians in Jamaica on Jan. 26, 1943, Bell was raised in West Philadelphia with nine brothers and sisters. He studied classical piano, but would eventually enterprise into the pop space.
He and Gamble began playing together within the group Kenny & the Romeos. Huff replaced Bell on piano when he left the band.
An arranger and songwriter, Bell worked as a staff author and touring conductor for Chubby Checker. He also produced the Delfonics’ hits “La-La (Means I Love You)” and “Didn’t I (Blow Your Mind This Time).”
His other songwriting credits include “I Can’t Take It” by the Orlons; and “You Make Me Feel Brand Recent” with Linda Creed.
He also arranged the strings within the O’Jays’ 1972 hit “Back Stabbers.” The band was on Gamble and Huff’s Philadelphia International Records label.
“I’m a really independent guy,” Bell told The Inquirer in 2020. “I’m not a follower. I’m a frontrunner, and the person I would like to steer is me.” He often repeated his personal motto: “You never can tell once you’re with the Bell.”
He did collaborate with Elton John, Teddy Pendergrass, Deniece Williams and Johnny Mathis throughout his profession. He also worked with Dionne Warwick, Lou Rawls, Anthony & The Imperials, and Dusty Springfield.
Bell was nominated for 3 Grammy Awards and won for Best Producer of the 12 months in 1975. He was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2006.
He’s survived by his wife, Vanessa; and his kids, Royal, Troy, Tia, Mark, Cybell and Christopher.
