Happy Birthday Herb Murrell, long time member of the Stylistics, born April 27.
At their peak, the Stylistics were perhaps the most consistent hitmakers in Soul Music. They had the best producer in the business in Thom Bell, some of the most infectious material of the early 70s and perhaps the smoothest falsetto lead vocalist in Russell Thompkins, Jr.
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 basket 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.
