Happy Birthday Thom Bell [Video]

Most of you are asking, "who is Thom Bell?"  Today, January 26th, we're celebrating Mr. Bell's birthday and  his great songs.

Thom Bell is a song writer, producer, arranger and musician.

Without a doubt Mr.Bell, a member of the Songwriters Hall of Fame, is one of the greatest producer/arrangers of all time.

He's best known as one of the creators of the Philadelphia style of soul.  The "Philly Sound" was huge from the late 1960's into the mid 70's.

One of his first success stories was his association with the Delphonics producing their hits "La-La(Means I Love You)", and "Didn't(I Blow Your Mind This Time)".

From then on the list of acts he produced and arraigned is astounding.  Aside from the Delphonics Bell is responsible for timeless records by the Stylistics, The Spinners, O'Jays, Jerry Butler, Archie Bell and the Drells, ,Dusty Springfield, Dionne Warwick, Deniece Williams, and Elton John.

Here's just a sampling of some of the songs Thom Bell either wrote, produced or arraigned:

The Stylistics "You Are Everything", Betcha By Golly Wow", "Break Up To Make Up", "You Make Me Feel Brand New"

The Spinners "Could It Be I'm Falling in Love", "Mighty Love (Part 1)", "Then Came You"(with Dionne Warwick),

The O'Jays "Backstabbers", "Love Train"

Elton John "Mama Can't Buy Me Love"

Deniece Williams "It's Gonna Take a Miracle"

Thanks for those wonderful songs, Thom.

And, may you have many more happy birthdays!