Philadelphia soul pioneer Thom Bell dies aged 79

The musician turned producer worked with the Delfonics, the Spinners, the O’Jays and the Stylistics and helped pave the way for disco

Pioneering producer and songwriter Thom Bell has died at the age of 79, Rolling Stone reports. No cause of death was given.

Credited on some of the most indelible hits of the 1970s, including tracks by the Delfonics, the Stylistics and the Spinners, as well as Elton John’s 1979 track Mama Can’t Buy You Love, Bell was known for bringing the sound of Philadelphia soul into the mainstream, along with producers Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff.

Continue reading…