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The legendary Russell Thompkins Jr stops bye to discuss his career
While perhaps not a household name, as the lead singer of the Stylistics, Russell Thompkins, Jr. displayed arguably the sweetest falsetto voice of his generation, creating one beautiful love song after another under the production of the legendary Thom Bell and leading the act to supergroup status.
Formed in the late 60s in Philadelphia , the Stylistics first achieved some regional attention in 1971 with the simplistic "You're A Big Girl Now," most notable for its contrast to the luscious work they would record a year later with Bell . Their Avco Records eponymous debut was a Philly Soul masterpiece, containing a basketful of marvelous compositions by Bell and co-writer Linda Creed that would become soul standards covered by other artists for the next 30 years. "You Are Everything," "Betcha By Golly Wow," "Stop Look Listen" and "People Make the World Go Round" all rocketed up the Pop and Soul charts, and immediately made the Stylistics the most sought after Soul balladeers. The group's seamless harmonies and Thompkins silky falsetto blended magically with Bell's lush production. Their next album, Round Two, was just as memorable, and included the instant classics "Break Up To Make Up.
