Thom Bell, the Grammy Award-winning producer who made a big effect on Philadelphia soul music, died Thursday. He was 79 years old.
His lawyer, Michael Silver, said The Inquirer of Philadelphia that Bell died at his home in Bellingham, Washington. The cause of death was not immediately available.
Bell, Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff worked together to create “The Sound of Philadelphia” in the late Sixties and early Seventies.
“Tommy and I even 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 create a singing duo, Kenny and Tommy, after which our band, The Romeos. Leon Huff and I were proud to have him join our Mighty Three music team, which helped create our signature TSOP brand.
“He was an amazing talent and a pricey friend of mine. The name Gamble, Huff and Bell will last endlessly. Rest in peace, buddy!”
Huff said, “Thom Bell was my favorite musician, arranger, songwriter and record producer of all time! Working with him creatively and as a business partner was an amazing respect, honor and pleasure for me. Rest in peace.”
Bell, born January 26, 1943 in Jamaica to 2 musicians, was raised in West Philadelphia with nine brothers and sisters. He studied classical piano, but eventually ventured into the pop space.
He and Gamble began playing together in the group Kenny & the Romeos. Huff replaced Bell on piano when he left the band.
Bell, an arranger and songwriter, worked as a author and concert 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 Cannot Take It” by the Orlons; and “You Make Me Feel Brand Recent” with Linda Creed.
He also arranged the strings on the O’Jays’ 1972 hit “Back Stabbers”. The band was on the Philadelphia International Records label owned by Gamble and Huff.
“I’m a really independent guy,” Bell told The Inquirer 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 know if you’re with the Bell.”
Throughout his profession, he has collaborated with Elton John, Teddy Pendergrass, Deniece Williams and Johnny Mathis. He has also worked with Dionne Warwick, Lou Rawls, Anthony & The Imperials and Dusty Springfield.
Bell was nominated for 3 Grammy Awards and won Best Producer of the 12 months in 1975. In 2006, he was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame.
He’s survived by his wife Vanessa; and his children, Royal, Troy, Tia, Mark, Cybell and Christopher.