Thom Bell contributed sophistication and melodic originality to hits by the Delfonics, the Spinners, and others as a songwriter, arranger, and producer.

Architect of the lush Philadelphia sound of the late 1960s and early 1970s, Thom Bell was a driving force behind iconic R&B recordings by the Spinners, the Delfonics, and the Stylistics. He was a prolific producer, songwriter, and arranger. He passed away on Thursday at his home in Bellingham, Washington. He was 79.

His manager and attorney, Michael Silver, confirmed his demise but did not provide a cause.

The father of Philadelphia soul produced a song for Elton John and wrote songs for the Delfonics and Stylistics.

Thom Bell, producer of Sound of Philadelphia, passes away at 79 (2)

Producer Thom Bell, one of the Mighty Three who co-created “The Sound of Philadelphia” with Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff, passed away at the age of 79. His cause of death wasn’t revealed right away.

In a press release, Gamble stated, “Tommy and I have been best friends for over 60 years.” “When Kenny and Tommy and I first started dating, we made the decision to start writing songs together, form a singing duo, and later start our band, The Romeos… He was my close friend and a man of great talent. Peace be with you, buddy.

Leon Huff concurred, saying, “Thom Bell was my all-time favorite musician, arranger, songwriter, and music producer. “It was an honor and a pleasure for me to collaborate with him both professionally and creatively. Peace be with you.

Songs like “La-La Means I Love You” by the Delfonics, “Rubberband Man” by the Spinners, “Backstabber” by the O’Jays, and “I’ll Be Around” and “Betcha By Golly Wow” by the Stylistics are among Bell’s greatest compositions as he assisted in the development of Philly Soul in the 1970s. He also worked on the song “Mama Can’t Buy You Love” by Elton John.

Bell was honored in 2006 with induction into the Songwriters Hall of Fame for his contributions, which included winning Producer of the Year at the 1975 Grammy Awards. Bell was hailed as “the major influence of my career” by Stylistics member Russell Thompkins, Jr. in a Grammy interview for their Salute to Music Legends in 2017.

He recalled, “That’s when I first started learning my craft.” And the lessons I gained from working with him have served me well throughout my entire career.

The Mighty Three participated in interviews for a Sam Pollard-directed film about Philadelphia International Records that highlighted the group’s efforts to promote Philadelphian music internationally.

The group said in a statement earlier this year: “After six decades, we are incredibly proud to finally share our life stories with the world and showcase all the hard work that has gone into creating this great music.” With themes of empowerment and love to “people all over the world,” as we have always had a “Message in our Music,” “our longtime fans and new fans will get a unique look into the creation of the Sound of Philadelphia.”

Early in his career, questions were raised about Mr. Bell’s frequently atypical production and arrangements, particularly his extensive use of European orchestral conventions on R&B records.

According to him, Record Collector magazine, “Nobody else is in my brain but me, which is why some of the things I think about are crazy.” “I hear English horns, bassoons, and oboes.

Thom Bell, Black people don’t listen to that, an arranger once told me. Why restrict yourself to Black people, I asked? I write songs for people.

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