Tag: Thom Bell

RIBS: Thom Bell-Writer, Producer, Arranger, pt 2

Continuing our look at the variety of music that singer, songwriter, arranger, and record producer Thom Bell created. He’s the third “musketeer” that made Philadelphia International Records the hit making machine that dominated the 70s and early 80s. You are probably familiar with his work with the Delfonics, Stylistics and Spinners, but did you know he also produced some excellent music with Elton John, Phyllis Hyman, Johnny Mathis, The Temptations and Dionne Warwick? This is part 2 of The Sound of Philadelphia... Thom Bell style!

Playlist: (song — artist [album])

  1. RIBS3 – “a.k.a. RIBS” (echo) – TGrundy
  2. Mighty Love – Spinners [Mighty Love]
  3. Three Way Love Affair – Elton John [The Complete Thom Bell Sessions]
  4. Ebony Eyes – Stylistics [The Stylistics]
  5. Ready, Willing And Able – Temptations [The Temptations]
  6. Mr. Fresh RIBS Promo #1
  7. Ready Or Not Here I Come (Can’t Hide From Love) – Delfonics [Sound Of Sexy Soul]
  8. You Are Everything – David Sanborn [Close-Up]
  9. You Never Know What You Got – James Ingram [Always You]
  10. Love Me One More Time – Dionne Warwick [Track Of The Cat]
  11. RIBS5 – Wrap Yourself In Black Satin – TGrundy
  12. Life Is A Song Worth Singing – Johnny Mathis [I’m Coming Home]
  13. Rockin’ Roll Baby – Stylistics [Rockin’ Roll Baby]
  14. Do You Remember Yesterday – Ace Spectrum [Low Rent Rendezvous]
  15. Games People Play – Spinners [Pick Of The Litter]
  16. Fave RIBS Promo
  17. Betcha By Golly Wow – Norman Conners featuring Phyllis Hyman [You Are My Starship]
  18. Baby I Love You – Delfonics [The Delfonics]
  19. Just As Long As We Have Love – Spinners [Pick Of The Litter]
  20. La La La At The End – Little Anthony & The Imperials [On A New Street]
  21. One Man Band (Plays All Alone) – Ronnie Dyson [One Man Band]
  22. I’m Stone In Love With You – Johnny Mathis [I’m Coming Home]
  23. Give In To Love – Dee Dee Bridgewater [Dee Dee Bridgewater (1980)]
  24. He’ll Never Love You Like I Do – Spinners [Mighty Love]
  25. I’m Falling In Love With You – Little Anthony & The Imperials [On A New Street]
  26. Living A Little, Laughing A Little – Spinners [New And Improved]

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:29:55 — 123.5MB)

RIBS: Thom Bell-Writer, Producer, Arranger, pt 1

Thomas Randolph Bell is a Jamaican-born American singer, songwriter, arranger, and record producer, known as one of the creators (along with Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff) of “Philly Soul” at Philadelphia International Records in the 1970s. Bell is best known for his success with several groups in the 70s, particularly with the Delfonics, Stylistics and Spinners. In June 2006, Bell was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame. In 2016, Bell was inducted into the Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum.

Playlist: (song — artist [album]

  1. RIBS INTRO: “Another Edition” – TGrundy
  2. I’m Doin’ Fine Now – New York City [I’m Doing Fine Now]
  3. Then Came You (ft. Dionne Warwick) – Spinners [New And Improved]
  4. Love Has Gone Away – Spinners [Mighty Love]
  5. Point Of No Return – Stylistics [The Stylistics]
  6. Once You Hit The Road – Dionne Warwick [Track Of The Cat]
  7. Are You Ready For Love – Elton John [The Thom Bell Sessions ’77]
  8. Fave: RIBS Promo
  9. I’ll Be Around – Spinners [Spinners]
  10. I’ll Be Around (ft. Marion Meadows) – Bob Baldwin [Presents “Betcha By Golly Wow” The Songs Of Thom Bell]
  11. Delfonics Theme (Vocal) – Delfonics [Tell Me This Is A Dream]
  12. I Don’t Want To Lose You – Phyllis Hyman [Phyllis Hyman]
  13. I Don’t Want To Lose You – Spinners [Pick Of The Litter]
  14. What Two Can Do – Deniece Williams [My Melody]
  15. RIBS3 – “a.k.a. RIBS” (echo) – TGrundy
  16. You Make Me Feel Brand New – Regina Belle [Reachin’ Back]
  17. La La Means I Love You – Swing Out Sister [The Living Return]
  18. Didn’t I (Blow Your Mind This Time) – Patti LaBelle [Classic Moments]
  19. Break Up To Make Up – Jean Carne [Closer Than Close]
  20. Living All Alone – Phyllis Hyman [Living All Alone]
  21. Love Comes Easy – Maysa [Sweet Classic Soul]
  22. Stop, Look, Listen (To Your Heart) – New Birth [Birth Day]
  23. People Make The World Go Round – Suspects Of Soul [Suspicious Characters]

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:26:59 — 119.6MB)