Legendary music producer Tom Bell has died at the age of 79, according to Deadline. His attorney, Michael Silver, confirmed his death to the outlet.
Bell was best known for working with his “Mighty Three” partners Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff to create The Sound of Philadelphia. As a songwriter, musician, producer and arranger, Bell established his legacy as a key figure in 1970s soul and had an immeasurable impact on the genre.
Tom Bell circa 1970
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According to his Songwriters Hall of Fame biography, Bell was born in Jamaica in 1943 and studied classical music at a young age. By his teenage years, Bell met and participated in gambling in Romeo and learned to play the instrument.In his early twenties, the music pioneer became a staff his writer and touring conductor. The Twist Singer Chubby Checker.
Bell’s first production job was with Delfonics, creating the signature sound of their hits “La La Means I Love You” and “Didn’t I Blow Your Mind”. did. In 1972 he produced The Stylistics’ debut album.
His full resume includes Teddy Pendergrass, Johnny Mathis, Dionne Warwick, The Temptations, Phyllis Hyman, Dee Dee Bridgewater, The O’Jays, Elton John, Lou Rawls, Little Anthony and the Imperials, Dusty Springfield, David Byrne, work with Joss Stone. , Fatboy Slim, etc.
Songwriters Leon Hough (left) and Kenny Gamble (right) in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, February 1973, when Tom Bell joins a new production company and partnership, the Great Philadelphia Trading Company. We welcome you to become
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Since joining SHOF in 2006, Bell’s career includes winning the Grammy Award for Best Producer of the Year in 1975, a star on Philadelphia’s Music Alliance Walk of Fame in 1993, and 2016. including winning a Grammy Council Award for
“Tom Bell left an indelible and lasting mark on the history of popular music, but more than that, he will be remembered by all who knew him as a kind and loving friend and family member. “The music world has lost one of its truly great people,” his attorney said in a statement. signboard.
Belle is survived by his wife Vanessa and children Royal, Troy, Tia, Mark, Cybel and Christopher. VIBE extends its deepest condolences to the Bell family and all those affected by this loss.