A Musical Giant Has Passed

By Arise Rejoice News Service

The musician and lyricist responsible for such great hits in the 1960s and 1970s such as ‘Back Stabber,’ ‘Didn’t I Blow Your Mind This Time,’ and ‘Then Came You,’ died on Thursday.

Thom Bell, one of the major creative minds behind what was known as the “Philadelphia Sound,” was 79 years old when he passed in Bellingham, Washington where he lived with his family.

A prolific songwriter, arranger and producer, Bell was a member of the trio that included Leon Huff and Kenny Gamble. Their prowess earned them the name the ‘Mighty Three.’

The music and lyrics that they wrote equaled that produced in Detroit’s Motown, according to numerous music historians.

The individuals and groups that Bell and his colleagues created musical magic for include The Spinners, The Stylistics, The O’Jays, The Delfonics, Dionne Warwick and James Ingram. Many of the singles that they produced were listed in the Top 40, and several went gold and platinum.

Trained as a classical pianist, Bell was born in Philadelphia. Both of his parents, Anna and Randolph, were proficient musicians who encouraged their son to pursue excellence in his craft.

Still a teenager, Bell and Kenny Gamble formed a singing duet named Kenny and Tommy. As his musical career evolved, he became the pianist for house bands at the Apollo Theater in New York, and the Upton Theater in his hometown.

The legendary collaboration with Gamble and Huff was created in the late 1960s. In the early 1970s the group worked with music titans such as Johnny Mathis, Elton John and Deniece Williams. Bell was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2006. In 2016 he was inducted into the Musicians Hall of Fame.

Throughout his career, Bell insisted that no ethnic labels be placed on his music. He refused to be branded.

Bell’s survivors include his wife, Vanessa; four sons, two daughters, four grandchildren, four great-grandchildren and one sister.